Development and Research Intern

Development and Research Intern

About Institute for Nonprofit Practice

The Institute for Nonprofit Practice is a learning organization. We believe that interns and a mutual exchange between interns and our staff team can help us realize our learning goals for INP and more fully embody INP’s learning values and desire to contribute to building talent in the field. We envision providing a learning environment where interns gain valuable professional skills,  practical job experience, and personal development, while expanding the capacity of the departments and areas of work within which they focus and contributing significantly to INP’s mission to transform the nonprofit and social impact sector.  This year as we grow, we aim to establish an expanded internship program to include a larger group along with group learning and collaborative project work.

For more information on the Institute for Nonprofit Practice, visit www.nonprofitpractice.org.

The Opportunity

INP is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing our mission through community impact, advocacy, and sustainable programming. We rely on strong donor relationships, strategic partnerships, and data-informed decision-making to expand our reach and deepen our impact. The Development & Research Intern will support fundraising, donor engagement, and grant research efforts. This role is ideal for a student or recent graduate interested in nonprofit management, philanthropy, fundraising strategy, and social impact. The intern will gain hands-on experience in donor research, grant prospecting, data analysis, and development operations while contributing directly to the organization’s sustainability and growth.This position is a hybrid position, with some work virtually and some in the Dedham Office.

Responsibilities

Prospect & Donor Research

• Conduct research to identify potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Compile donor profiles including giving history, philanthropic interests, and capacity indicators.
• Assist in maintaining and updating donor databases.

Grant Research & Support

• Identify grant opportunities aligned with organizational programs.
• Track application deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Support drafting grant materials, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.

Development Operations

• Assist with donor acknowledgment letters and stewardship communications.
• Support fundraising campaign preparation and reporting.
• Help analyze fundraising data and prepare performance summaries.

Data & Impact Research

• Collect and analyze program data to support grant proposals and donor reporting.
• Conduct research on industry trends and funding landscapes.
• Assist in preparing impact reports and development presentations.

Other duties as assigned: INP is a growing, entrepreneurial organization and every staff member is expected to provide support to the broader INP team and adapt as needed to achieve our mission.

 Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will bring many of the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Communications, Business, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace (Excel/Sheets preferred).
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems.
• Familiarity with grant writing or academic research.
• Interest in philanthropy, social impact, or nonprofit leadership.
• Strong data organization and reporting skills.

We are looking specifically for 2nd year graduate students, preferably in Macro Social Work, who can commit to 24 hours per week.

The Institute for Nonprofit Practice is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. All are encouraged to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.The Institute for Nonprofit Practice does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age,sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.