Grant Writing Internship

Purpose of Position:

Come learn how a passion for writing can translate into a fulfilling, recession-proof career in the common good! The Grant Writing Intern supports Rise’s Grant Manager in researching grant opportunities, preparing applications, writing narratives, and performing program evaluation activities for grant-funded programs. Additionally, they will observe and assist in program development conversations, learn about the different functions of a non-profit Advancement Department (communications, marketing, PR, fundraising, grant writing), assisting other staff as needed with writing and development projects.

Projects and Duties:

• Manages and updates grants calendar and grants tracking documents. 
• Assists in the preparation, creation, and submission of a wide variety of grants, including government grants and private/foundation grants. 
• Creates and maintains a template database for grant language. 
• Researches new funding opportunities from databases for new potential funders. 
• Participates in the Professional Development Series for Interns. 
• Completes an independent grant writing project, based on the interests of the intern and the available funding opportunities. Example projects include: developing a grant project with Rise program staff, writing grant proposals for that project, and submitting them; writing a program summary and identifying a funders to submit to; managing a data collection project; write a narrative for the Minnesota Common Grant.

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate degree program strongly preferred (graduate students looking for non-academic career paths welcome) 
• Passion and aptitude for learning about grant writing, grant management, and nonprofit careers. 
• Highly organized, self-directed, and detail-oriented personality with excellent time management skills 
• Strong writing skills (required), basic or intermediate Excel skills (preferred)

Time Commitment:

• 16-20 hours per week (minimum 10 during business hours of 8-5pm Central Time). 
• Both fall and spring semesters are ideal, but negotiable. 
• Flexible schedule around academic calendar.

Benefits:

Partial or 100% remote option. 

College credit, if applicable. 

Expanded career opportunities: grant writing is an invaluable skill that can make a candidate more competitive in nonprofit careers, even those outside of grants. 

Specific skills: technical writing, the 6-step grants process, project management via Microsoft Teams, basics of data tracking and program evaluation, intermediate Excel skills.

As an employment services agency, Rise has a commitment to ensuring our interns have access to experiences and trainings that will augment their future job searches. These benefits include:

• Finished items for a portfolio and an updated resume section about the internship upon exit; 
• Industry connections and informational interviews with Rise staff and our greater nonprofit networks based on an intern’s career interests; 
• A practical professional development series that teaches young professionals: Resume and cover letter writing; networking; job search skills, including how to tell which workplaces/managers/jobs are a good fit; salary negotiation and skills for advocating for wage equity. 

This internship is unpaid, however, we offer a $1,000 (full-time) or $500 (part-time) stipend per semester to assist with living expenses depending on commitment and qualifications