Fundraising & Partnerships Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)

Position type: Contract, full-time Location: 55 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON (hybrid – 2 days/week in-office) Duration: 8 weeks Start date: July 6, 2025 Compensation: $18/hour, 35 hours/week Deadline to Apply: June 8, 2026 at 5pm Position Summary The Bentway’s Fundraising & Partnerships team is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Fundraising & Partnerships Assistant to help advance our fundraising initiatives through CRM optimization and donor prospect research. Joining The Bentway as a Fundraising & Partnerships Assistant offers a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a dynamic cultural organization that blends urban design, public programming, and community engagement. The Assistant will develop practical skills in fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, and non-profit administration, learning how large-scale public projects are planned, funded, and sustained, giving insight into both the creative and operational sides of non-profit work. This role is well suited to someone who is highly organized, curious, and interested in learning more about fundraising within the non-profit, arts, and culture sector. The Assistant will receive hands-on experience, training, and mentorship, gaining practical skills in research, writing, data organization, and fundraising operations.
This posting is for an existing vacancy. About The Bentway The Bentway is a dynamic civic organization dedicated to enhancing urban life through the design and implementation of innovative public spaces, public programming, and site operations. Deeply rooted in Toronto’s urban fabric, The Bentway leads a creative movement to re-imagine the possibilities of the Gardiner Expressway. We believe in the power of art and culture to spark the urban imagination, transform communities and foster vibrant, inclusive cities. The Bentway Conservancy is a non-profit organization and registered charity that works closely with the City of Toronto, artists & creatives, and local communities to bring our work to life. Responsibilities CRM Administration & Management (60%)

• Learn to effectively navigate and use The Bentway’s CRM system (Neon CRM)
• Maintain and update CRM records, including adding new prospects, tracking grant opportunities, logging donor activities, and recording donations
• Extract and prepare reports to support fundraising and stewardship activities
• Migrate and organize data from existing spreadsheets into CRM system
• Recommend improvements to optimize The Bentway’s use of our CRM
• Create workflows to enhance donor engagement and team efficiency

Fundraising Research & General Support (40%)

• Conduct prospect research on individuals, foundations, corporations, and public funders, and develop donor and funder profiles to support cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Support ongoing research of new funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships
• Assist with drafting donor communications, acknowledgement letters, and funding or gift agreements for review by senior staff.
• Assist with fundraising events and related activities as required.
• Support additional administrative and fundraising tasks as required

Qualifications

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g. Neon CRM) and/or research tools like iWave is an asset
• Tech-savvy and comfortable learning new digital tools and platforms
• Excellent organizational skills with an eye for detail and accuracy
• Ability to synthesize and input complex information clearly and efficiently
• Team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Available for occasional evening/weekend work
• Background in fundraising, arts administration, nonprofit work, or a related field is preferred, but not required

Eligibility Requirements This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. To qualify, applicants must:

• Between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
• Valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

Applications The Bentway is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment that promotes equity and diversity. Priority will be given to individuals from equity deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized applicants, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada (within the past 5 years), and women. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to The Bentway Conservancy at [email protected]. We kindly ask that no phone calls or emails are made to staff members. All questions regarding the position must be sent to [email protected]. To Apply Apply with a resume and cover letter via The Bentway’s job board. Deadline to Apply: June 8, 2026 at 5pm Application Components:

• Resume (PDF format, no more than three pages)
• Cover Letter (please include why you are interested in the role and how your experience matches the responsibilities & qualifications.

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We thank all applicants for their interest and will endeavour to contact all applicants, whether successful or not.
AI will not be used to sort or evaluate applications, a staff member will personally reach each one, including the cover letter!