Unruled Masses (UM) exists to support ordinary people who want to live in communities and systems governed by the rule of law, equal treatment, and leaders who are accountable to the people. We are a nonpartisan organization, and we believe democracy is non-negotiable. We work to expose and counter corruption, meaning the abuse of entrusted power for private gain that harms the public interest. That includes abuses by public and private entities, from the highest levels of political power to the places where people live and work every day, including housing, workplaces, schools, healthcare, and beyond.
Our mission is to research and expose abuses of power, educate the public on corruption and related harms, empower people to counter corruption through nonviolent and lawful civic action, and inspire hope through community. We envision a time when individuals and organizations across the country have the knowledge, tools, and resolve to prevent and mitigate the impacts of corruption and hold power accountable in their communities. We share our research, tools, and training in plain language with the public, partner organizations, journalists, researchers, and policymakers, so people can recognize corruption, protect themselves and others, and act together.
UM is powered by a diverse team of dedicated volunteers with backgrounds in fields including human rights, intelligence, military, political science, law, technology, data science, creative arts, and communications. We believe diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential to recognizing and addressing corruption.
NOTE If you believe you have skills that could contribute to this mission and do not see a position listed that aligns to you, please reach out to Unruled Masses via our contact form at Unruled Masses.
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Who We Are
Unruled Masses is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-interest intelligence organization focused on exposing corruption, abuse of power, and systemic exploitation—while helping communities peacefully reclaim agency, accountability, and civic life.
We combine rigorous intelligence tradecraft with public-facing analysis and real-world civic action. Our mission is to move beyond exposure we provide the "industrial-grade" intelligence and the actionable playbooks people need to reconnect, organize, and act together. To scale this mission, we need to secure the institutional and foundational support that allows our research and tools to reach the global stage.
Who You Are
You are a persuasive storyteller with a strategic mind. You understand that funding is the fuel for systemic change, and you take pride in translating complex technical concepts into compelling, high-impact proposals.
You have a track record of identifying opportunities and winning awards, particularly in the nonprofit, human rights, or civic technology spaces. You are disciplined, detail-oriented, and motivated by the idea of building the financial foundation for a movement that dismantles institutional capture.
What You’ll Do
As a
Grant Writer, you will
- Identify Funding Opportunities Research and qualify grant prospects from foundations, government agencies, and corporate giving programs that align with democracy-building, anti-corruption, and civic tech.
- Develop Winning Proposals Draft, edit, and polish high-quality grant applications, letters of intent (LOIs), and concept notes that clearly articulate the Unruled Masses mission.
- Manage the Grant Lifecycle Track deadlines, manage the submission calendar, and ensure all required documentation (budgets, 501(c)(3) status, etc.) is prepared and organized.
- Translate Strategy to Impact Collaborate with the leadership team to turn our "Intelligence Library" and "Action Playbook" concepts into fundable projects with measurable outcomes.
- Maintain Funder Relations Assist in drafting impact reports and updates for donors to maintain transparency and strengthen long-term partnerships.
Exceptional volunteers may
- Develop a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy
- Lead "pitch" sessions with foundation program officers
- Mentor junior writers or interns as the development team grows
- Contribute to the strategic framing of the organization’s public-facing "Case for Support"
Grant Focus Areas
We are looking for writers with experience or interest in securing funding for
Democracy & Human Rights; Investigative Journalism; Civic Technology & OSINT; Government Transparency; Social Justice & Community Organizing; Legal Defense & Reform; Information Integrity & Media Literacy.
Ideal Qualifications
- Proven Track Record Demonstrated experience in grant writing with a history of successful, high-value awards (ideally in the nonprofit sector).
- Exceptional Writing Ability to write clear, structured, and emotionally resonant prose that meets the rigorous standards of foundation reviewers.
- Analytical Skill Ability to digest our "industrial-grade" methodology and explain it simply to stakeholders who may not be experts in intelligence or policy.
- Independence Highly organized and capable of managing multiple submission deadlines simultaneously in a remote environment.
- Education/Experience Degrees in English, Communications, Public Administration, or related fields are preferred, but a strong portfolio of won grants is the primary requirement.
Compensation & Commitment
This is an unpaid volunteer role. We ask for an ongoing commitment to ensure we can meet grant cycles and submission deadlines. As funding is secured paid positions or contract roles may be offered in the future.
Benefits Of Volunteering With Unruled Masses
- Build the Foundation Play a critical role in the "founding team" by securing the resources that make our mission possible.
- Professional Impact Add high-profile, "cutting edge" democracy-building projects to your portfolio.
- Flexible & Remote Work from anywhere with a team that values efficiency and high-level strategy over "busy work."
- Purpose-Driven See the direct correlation between your writing and the dismantling of institutional corruption.
- Access Collaborate directly with the leadership, analysts, and organizers who are building the future of civic resistance.
