Education within a college and/or university no longer guarantees you a good job. The job market is more competitive now than it has ever been. Family Reunion offers a genuine internship experience that will not only prepare you for today’s job market, but will transform you into an asset for any company YOU choose to work for. Classes pertaining to your major are no substitute for a real world experience. This internship does not consist of merely typical thankless and menial work, but provides a true hands-on experience through direction and personal management. Having this intern experience can put you at the top of the list among job candidates.
The Fundraising Intern will need to posses excellent communications skills and enthusiasm. The main objective in this position is to increase the organization’s contributions made by individuals, members, other organizations, and companies. This is best done by building relationships and exploring new fundraisingopportunities from various sources. The ability to network is paramount in this position, since success in this role depends heavily on being able to forge positive relationships with supporters. The Fundraising Intern also works to raise awareness of the organization’s work, aims and goals.
Desired Skills:
- Commitment to the cause of fundraising
- The ability to build and maintain relationships – a crucial skill in all areas of fundraising
- Creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising
- A proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion
- The ability to influence others with excellent oral and written communication skills
- The capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- The ability to meet financial targets
- Good organizational and project management skills
- The ability to motivate others and work as part of a team
- Resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks
- Sensitivity to the needs of volunteers and donors
- A willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks
Duties Include:
- Develop fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching
- Monitor progress of fundraising drives
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations
- Work with the Public Relations intern on developing and maintain media contact lists
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions
- Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events
- Work with the Marketing Intern on public outreach to make the organization more visible within our community and nationwide
- Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members
- Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors
- Prepare materials for charitable events, such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags
- Create or update donor databases
- Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods
- Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors
- Identify and build relationships with potential donors
- Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations
- Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships
- Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs
- Work with Web Development Intern to produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events
- Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs
- Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs
- Direct or coordinate web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Websites
- Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors
- Work with Journalism and Public Relation Interns on writing speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of the organization for seeking funds
- Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, history of charitable donations, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets
- Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events
- Secure speakers for charitable events, community meetings, or conferences to increase awareness of charitable, nonprofit, or political causes
- Write and send letters of thanks to donors
- Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data
- Complete all of the tasks listed on your Intern Checklist
By the end of this training the trainee will have learned to:
- Do individual projects and participate as part of a team on shared assignments and projects
- Learn different skills to make you a more effective fundraiser
- Gain knowledge in non-profit fundraising and membership programs
- Relationship development with writers and members
- Project management
- Leadership skills
- Management skills
- Gain effective communication skills
Length Requirement:
The position is open for as long as the student would like, but with a minimum length of 12 weeks, 21 to 35 hours/week.
Specifications:
This position is open to students enrolled at any college or university or a graduate looking for real world experience. The students’ interests must lie in marketing, public relations, advertising, or related fields.
College Credit:
While this is an UNPAID internship, student interns will have an opportunity to receive college credit. Contact your undergraduate advising officer for more information on academic credit.
Apply:
Students wishing to apply for the internship should email resumes to interns@familyreunionusa.org. For more information, please call 1-661-829-6847.
