STAY CONNECTED

INTERNSHIPS

Our team often includes unpaid interns who work with us for at least three months at a time. If you are interested in a Grantmaking Internship, please see instructions below for how to apply. Applications are considered and reviewed on an as-need, rolling basis. If you have any questions after reading the below instructions, please send an email to scott@firelightfoundation.org.

FIRELIGHT FOUNDATION
GRANTMAKING INTERNSHIP POSTING
Rolling Basis

Position Identification

Job Title: Grantmaking Intern
Reports to: Program Officer
Supported by: Grants Administrator
Job Category: Grantmaking Support
Area of Focus: Children and Youth, HIV/AIDS, Grassroots Organizations
Job Location: Santa Cruz, California
Education: Bachelors
Period: 3-12 months
Salary Range: Unpaid (academic credits possible)

Overall Function

Grantmaking Interns work closely with other team members to provide essential support for virtually all stages of the grantmaking process. Grantmaking Interns support Program Officers with administrative and programmatic management of grant portfolios and collaborate with the Grants Administrator in carrying out grant-related procedures.

Primary Responsibilities

Portfolio Support

Responsible for overall portfolio support on all grantmaking procedures, including:

Support overall administrative flow of the grants portfolio, meeting internal deadlines for database entry of proposals, correspondence, final reports, and closing grants.
Draft correspondence to grantee partners regarding inquiries, proposals, and reports.
Review inquiries, new and renewal proposals, and reports. Enter budget information and other data into database. Summarize key observations for Program Officer.
Work collaboratively with Grants Administrator to generate and mail contracts. Process contracts for grant payments. Review files to assist with trouble-shooting of any grant payments.
Prepare new files and ensure paper files and database are current. Prepare files and database for grant closing.
Assist in planning and logistics for site visits and partner meetings.
Conduct research for country strategies, as requested. Remain informed about relevant country-level developments.
Support compilation of docket-related material for Advisory Board and Board of Directors Meetings.
Respond to information needs and requests of Program Officer.

Learning, Reflection, and Analysis

Work with Grantmaking and Organizational Learning teams in ongoing learning, reflection, and analysis of Firelight’s funding strategy, partner support, and impact. Working with Program Officers to:
Enter coded reports and budgets into database to support ongoing analysis and synthesis of the work done by grassroots organizations responding to the needs of vulnerable children and families.
Ensure accuracy of information in grant files and database.
Stay abreast of issues related to vulnerable children, community development, by reviewing publications and preparing reports.

Expectations

Excellent organization, clerical skills, and attention to detail.
Strong time management skills, effective multi-tasking, and ability to prioritize to meet deadlines.
Work with multiple supervisors.
Excellent computer skills, especially working with databases.

Required Skills

Excellent writing and oral communications skills in English, including the ability to provide succinct summaries of high volumes of complex information.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain high degree of professionalism and collegiality in all activities.
Ability to work well under pressure and manage competing deadlines.

How To Apply

Send an email to scott@firelightfoundation.org with “Grantmaking Intern” in the subject line, to which you have attached the following three documents:

A cover letter explaining your interest and relevant qualifications for the position
Your résumé/CV
A writing sample (5-page maximum)

Please note that Firelight offers only unpaid internships.

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