Development & Donor Partnership Internship Opportunity – Unpaid (College Credit Available)
Our Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a hands-on and learning-intensive opportunity to gain relevant work experience at am international non-profit. Our goal is not to simply teach—you can learn anywhere. We want you to jump in, figure things out, and create work that matters. From day one, you are part of the team tackling real projects on a path tailored to your interests. You will also get a chance to explore how the entire organization operates and how your role contributes to the bigger picture. If you think about it, our leaders did not just show up as experts; each one of us started somewhere. We hope you will consider beginning your journey with us. If you are ready to make an impact, and grow in ways you never expected, apply for this internship. Samaritan’s Feet International (SFI) interns participate in activities that introduce them to our people-centered culture, our programs, and the development team which they will be part of.
We are currently offering an exciting unpaid internship opportunity for students looking to gain hands-on experience with an international nonprofit organization. While this is an unpaid position, eligible students may receive academic credit through their college or university.
Key Details:
- Position Type: Internship (Unpaid)
- Credit: College credit available (must be arranged through your academic institution)
- Interns can attend one (1) local shoe distribution in Charlotte
- Location: On-site at our Charlotte, NC office is preferred, however remote applicants will be considered
- Duration: June – Academic Year (August-May) or Semester Long
- Hours: 24 hours per week, flexible schedule
- Interns will receive the required equipment, such as a laptop
What You will Gain:
- Practical, hands-on experience relevant work experience at am international non-profit.
- Samaritan’s Feet International interns participate in activities that introduce them to our people-centered culture, our programs, and the development team which they will be part of
- Develop key skills essential for success in development and donor relationship management
- Learn to build and maintain strong relationships while approaching each project with a solutions-oriented mindset, focus on understanding client/donor needs, managing expectations and exploring innovative ways to address challenges in our programs and purpose-driven donors
- Assist with event coordination, development and fundraising by identifying and analyzing opportunities, market research, and revenue projections. building philanthropic relationships to help grow partnerships
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals
- A chance to build your portfolio and resume
Internship Summary:
The Development and Donor Partnership Intern is responsible for assisting the Development & Donor Relations Manager with a broad range of projects to reach organizational fundraising goals and further SFI’s mission driven initiatives. Through donor research, communications, fundraising campaigns and special events management, the intern will promote SFI donor cultivation and stewardship.
This is a project-based internship, with 24 hours per week.
In the Development & Donor Partnerships Pathway, you will gain experience and develop key skills essential for success in donor relationship management.
Development & Donor Relationship and Problem Solving
You will learn to build and maintain strong donor relationships while approaching each project with a solutions-oriented mindset. You will focus on understanding donor needs, managing expectations and exploring innovative ways to address challenges in our programs and purpose-driven donors.
Cross-Functional Collaboration and Workflow Management
You will collaborate with diverse teams across creative, media, production, PR, strategy, signature events, and domestic and international departments. You will gain experience working on timelines, budgets, and deliverables while aligning with the organization’s inclusive and collaborative values.
Strategic Thinking with Industry-Specific Insights
You will conduct competitive analyses, understand industry-specific nuances, and contribute to creative briefs. You will develop skills to navigate challenges during campaign development while considering regulatory considerations, audience segmentation, and trends in philanthropy as well as technology, etc.
Every intern will have the opportunity for robust learning through additional training, professional development and networking events, volunteer activities, speaker series, and more! During your internship with Samaritan’s Feet International, you’ll strengthen your key skills and competencies to help jump start your career and make a real impact on our business from day one.
Here’s a quick summary of the key aspects and responsibilities of the internship:
- Focus: Application of research and analytical skills, professional growth, and practical experience in event planning
- Learning Opportunities: Formal and on-the-job training, peer and mentor support, professional development, and networking events
- Exposure: Interns will collaborate across teams and interact with senior leaders through a variety of projects and events
- Networking: Building connections via intern-specific programs and engagement events
Key Responsibilities:
- The Development & Donor Partnership Intern will work with and under the guidance of the Chief of Staff to ensure coordination of fundraising efforts, donor communications and event planning. It is anticipated that the intern will be onsite for this internship with the potential for a hybrid day.
- Assist with the management of fundraising campaigns
- Donor & Partner Identification: Identify potential donors and partners to support our programs and signature events
- Assist with identifying prospective grants, foundations and individual donors through research
- Grant Writing: Develop and write grant and sponsorship proposals, ensuring compliance with funding guidelines
- Project Operations & New Business Support: Assist in proposal writing, logistics, research, knowledge management, and recruitment for development projects
- Update donor, contact, and sponsor information
- Create personalized communications with donors including thank you letters
- Track corporate and individual support
- Assist with event planning and management of our Signature Events including creation of sponsorship materials, coordination of invitation list, maintaining sponsorship & guest lists, collection of sponsorship materials and logos, special needs, etc.
- Provide administrative assistance to the Development & Donor Relations Manager as needed.
- CRM: Helping maintain the CRM system, tracking grants, and preparing reports
- Special Projects: Providing support on special departmental projects as needed
This program will offer valuable experience for those looking to enhance their skills in project management, fundraising, and non-profit operations, while making a real-world impact.
Strong intern candidates will have:
- Ability to multitask and take initiative of their work
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills
- Proficient in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
- Eager to learn and work with various departments in the company
Qualifications:
- Students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field of study for their desired program
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies
- Ability and willingness to interact with and learn technology
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in this position. Email to humanresources@samaritansfeet.org.
About US – Samaritan’s Feet Mission:
Samaritan’s Feet serves and inspires hope by providing shoes as the foundation to a spiritual and healthy life resulting in the advancement of education and economic opportunities.
Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes and the act of foot-washing can:
- Provide a tangible foundation of hope and the opportunity for a better life.
- Prompt children to focus on school and families not to worry.
- Protect feet and decrease the possibility of getting a foot-borne disease.