Fundraising & Operations Lead

"Canada’s National School Food Program is just getting started. Help make plant-based the default."

Jason Fonger Education Services

Volunteer Opportunity: Fundraising & Operations Lead

Jason Fonger Education Services is developing a new plant-forward school food program: connecting engaging food literacy education and student taste tests with practical efforts to make plant-based protein foods more accessible in schools. The goal is to use staff engagement, student assemblies and taste testing, procurement support, and follow-up to help schools make plant-based protein foods part of their ongoing food offerings.

The aim is to build a repeatable model, starting strategically across Ontario regions and eventually reaching schools elsewhere in Canada. Jason has already succeeded in offering half-day certification workshops for Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students and full-day, hands-on food experiences across more than 20 school boards.

Canada’s National School Food Program is just getting started, and the menus, habits, and procurement norms set now will last. Join as a volunteer to help make plant-based foods a core part of the program from the beginning.

We’re seeking an experienced professional who would enjoy contributing a few hours each week to help strengthen the program’s funding and organizational foundations. This role offers meaningful responsibility, flexibility, and a close working relationship with program founder Jason Fonger.

What you’ll do

• Identify and prioritize suitable grants, funders, and partnership opportunities.
• Help prepare compelling proposals, funding requests, and funder updates.
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline, deadline calendar, and follow-up system.
• Improve practical systems for tracking budgets, commitments, and program progress.
• Help Jason turn priorities into manageable tasks and clear next steps.

The initial scope will focus on a few agreed priorities that fit your availability. Event logistics will sit with a separate coordinator.

Who would thrive in this role

• You bring experience in fundraising, business operations, project management, consulting, or a related field. You write clearly, follow through reliably, and enjoy creating simple systems that help a small initiative grow.
• You care about improving food systems and are comfortable working independently while staying connected to a small team. Experience with grants or funder relationships is especially valuable.

We have a strong preference for Canadians or individuals familiar with the Canadian school food landscape.

Time and location

Approximately 3–5 hours per week, primarily remote, with a brief regular check-in. Scheduling is flexible around your existing work commitments. Ideally, you can commit for a period of at least three months.

What you’ll gain

• A practical opportunity to apply your expertise to an emerging school food initiative, help shape its development, and see how your contribution supports work in schools.
• The opportunity to shape what Canadian kids eat for decades to come, and bring more plant-based options into school meals from day one.

Volunteer status and future opportunities

This is initially an unpaid volunteer role. Paid contract work may become available as funding and program needs develop, but is not guaranteed.

Interested?

Complete this Google Form by Sunday, October 25, 11:59 PM ET.

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