Prospect Research Volunteer

Organization: CivicAction
Location: Hybrid (Greater Toronto Area, ON)
Position Type: Volunteer
Commitment: Approximately 10 - 20 hours per week; flexible schedule with a preferred minimum commitment of 3 months
Work Arrangement: Remote with optional in-person meetings in Toronto

Reports To: Vice President, Philanthropy

About CivicAction

CivicAction Leadership Foundation is a civic leadership organization working across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to mobilize leaders around the region's most pressing challenges. For more than two decades, CivicAction has brought together leaders from business, government, community, nonprofit, and institutional sectors to advance issues that no single organization can solve alone.

Position Summary

CivicAction is seeking a Prospect Research Volunteer to support public-source research into prospective supporters and partners.

Working closely with the Vice President, Philanthropy, the volunteer will identify and research prospective organizations and individuals, gather relevant publicly available information, and prepare concise research profiles to support CivicAction's fundraising and partnership development efforts.

This role is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in prospect research and nonprofit fundraising while contributing to CivicAction's work across the GTHA.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct public-source research to identify prospective corporate, foundation, and individual supporters and partners aligned with CivicAction's priorities.
• Research organizations and individuals using publicly available sources, including corporate websites, annual reports, charitable disclosures, news sources, and professional networks.
• Prepare concise prospect profiles summarizing relevant public information, including organizational priorities, leadership, community investment interests, and connections to CivicAction.
• Conduct defined prospect and sector scans to help staff identify potential areas for further exploration.
• Maintain organized source notes and research records using approved CivicAction tools and templates.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Is curious and able to synthesize information from multiple public sources.
• Is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and discretion when handling information.
• Is comfortable using Microsoft Office and online research tools.

Experience in prospect research, fundraising, business research, market research, journalism, consulting, or a related field is an asset but not required.

What You Will Gain

• Practical experience in prospect research and nonprofit fundraising.
• Exposure to how a civic organization identifies and researches prospective supporters and partners.
• Opportunities to strengthen research, analysis, and professional writing skills.
• Mentorship and feedback from the Vice President, Philanthropy.
• Experience and accomplishments that can be highlighted on your CV, résumé, LinkedIn profile, or professional portfolio.

How to Apply

Please upload your resume along with a short message outlining your interest in the volunteer position, relevant skills or experience, and general availability via this link: https://secure.collage.co/jobs/civicaction/65072

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as interviews may begin before the application deadline.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CivicAction is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.