---
title: "CSTF Fund Development Manager"
summary: "Lead fundraising efforts for CSTF's mission of digital self-determination through open-source technology and community empowerment."
date: 2025-08-23
showDate: false
showWordCount: false
showReadingTime: false
---

{{< lead >}}
Join us in securing the resources needed to build a strong technical foundation for civil society and advance digital self-determination.
{{< /lead >}}

## Position Overview

The Civil Society Technology Foundation (CSTF) seeks a passionate Fund Development Manager to lead our fundraising efforts and secure the resources needed to advance our mission of digital self-determination through open-source, self-hosted technologies.

As a global, volunteer-led US 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, CSTF empowers individuals and communities to reclaim control over their digital lives by reducing dependency on centralized platforms and enabling direct control of digital infrastructure and applications.

## About CSTF

The Civil Society Technology Foundation operates on the principle that digital technology is, in its essence, a common good. We collaborate to remove barriers to creating, sharing, and using software through:

- **Open software development** - Building tools like our flagship Wild Cloud project
- **Educational resources** - Creating accessible learning materials for digital autonomy
- **Community engagement** - Fostering networks of technologists and civil society advocates

Our work is guided by core principles including self-determination by design, open source always, self-hosted infrastructure, and transparent governance.

## Primary Responsibilities

### Strategic Fundraising
- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with CSTF's mission
- Create diversified funding portfolio from individual donors, foundations, and institutional supporters
- Set and achieve annual fundraising goals to support Wild Cloud development and educational initiatives
- Build sustainable revenue streams that respect our principles of community-driven governance

### Grant Writing & Management
- Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations focused on technology, civil society, digital rights, and open-source development
- Write compelling grant proposals that articulate CSTF's unique approach to digital self-determination
- Manage grant reporting, compliance requirements, and renewal processes
- Develop relationships with foundation program officers in relevant areas

### Major Donor Cultivation
- Identify and build relationships with high-net-worth individuals interested in open-source technology and civil liberties
- Develop comprehensive stewardship programs for major donors
- Coordinate board member involvement in donor cultivation and solicitation
- Create recognition programs that align with our transparent governance principles

### Corporate & Partnership Development
- Identify potential corporate sponsors and partners in the technology industry
- Develop strategic partnerships with organizations sharing CSTF's values around open-source and self-hosted infrastructure
- Create sponsorship packages for Wild Cloud and other CSTF initiatives
- Explore collaborative funding opportunities with aligned civil society organizations

## Required Qualifications

- **Experience**: 3-5 years of fundraising experience, preferably with technology-focused nonprofits or organizations working on digital rights
- **Grant Writing**: Proven track record of successful grant writing and foundation relationship management
- **Communication**: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for donor correspondence, proposals, and presentations
- **Technology Understanding**: Basic understanding of open-source technology concepts and digital civil liberties issues
- **Mission Alignment**: Genuine commitment to digital self-determination and community empowerment through technology

## Preferred Qualifications

- **Sector Experience**: Background in technology sector, digital civil liberties, or open-source community
- **International Focus**: Experience with international fundraising and global donor cultivation
- **Nonprofit Expertise**: Knowledge of 501(c)(3) compliance, nonprofit governance, and transparent reporting
- **Technical Knowledge**: Familiarity with self-hosted infrastructure, federated systems, and community-owned technology
- **Network**: Existing relationships within technology philanthropy or digital rights funding communities

## Key Success Metrics

- Achievement of annual fundraising goals and revenue targets
- Diversification of funding sources across individual, foundation, and corporate supporters
- Grant success rate, renewal rates, and multi-year commitments
- Growth in individual donor base and retention rates
- Adequate funding secured for Wild Cloud development milestones
- Support raised for educational resource creation and community programs

## Organizational Culture & Values

This role requires deep alignment with CSTF's core principles:

- **Self-determination by Design**: Understanding that users must own their data and control their computing environment
- **Tools Over Policy**: Prioritizing building alternatives rather than asking for permission
- **Open Source Always**: Commitment to libre software that's free to use, study, modify, and share
- **Transparent Governance**: All governance must be visible, accountable, and auditable
- **Community-Driven**: Recognition that contribution defines membership and value comes from doing

## Compensation & Structure

This is a volunteer leadership position with the Civil Society Technology Foundation. As we grow and secure funding, this role may transition to a paid position based on organizational capacity and fundraising success.

## How to Apply

CSTF is committed to building strong partnerships within the vibrant ecosystem of civil society organizations. We welcome applications from individuals who share our vision of technological self-determination and community empowerment.

To express interest in this position:

1. Join our community at [forum.civilsociety.dev](https://forum.civilsociety.dev)
2. Review our [principles and mission](/about/) to ensure alignment
3. Introduce yourself as a reply to [this forum post](https://forum.civilsociety.dev/t/seeking-fund-development-manager/18/1) (or message the post's author) and share your interest in fund development for digital civil society

We operate with transparent, distributed governance and welcome collaborative input on this role's development and implementation.

## Contact

For questions about this position or CSTF's fundraising needs, [reply to this forum post](https://forum.civilsociety.dev/t/seeking-fund-development-manager/18/1).

Join us in building a future where technology serves people through community ownership, open development, and digital self-determination.