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📝 Grant Writing Intern

Grant Writing

Support the sanctuary's fundraising efforts by researching funding opportunities, drafting grant proposals, and helping build sustainable financial support for our conservation mission.

  • Hybrid
  • 20 hrs/week · 4 months
  • On-site 1 day/week
  • Writing portfolio
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Position Overview

We are seeking a Grant Writing Intern to support the sanctuary's fundraising efforts by researching funding opportunities, drafting grant proposals, and helping build sustainable financial support for our conservation mission.

This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in nonprofit fundraising, grant management, philanthropy, and conservation finance.

Key Responsibilities

Grant research & prospecting

  • Identify and track federal, state, and private foundation grant opportunities relevant to wildlife conservation, education, and nonprofit operations
  • Maintain an organized grant calendar with deadlines, requirements, and submission status
  • Research eligibility criteria and alignment with the sanctuary's mission and programs

Proposal writing & submission

  • Draft compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding narratives
  • Tailor proposals to each funder's priorities and guidelines
  • Compile required attachments including budgets, organizational documents, and supporting materials
  • Support timely submission of complete grant packages

Grant reporting & stewardship

  • Assist with progress reports and final reports for awarded grants
  • Track grant deliverables and ensure compliance with funder requirements
  • Help maintain accurate records of all submissions, awards, and correspondence

Systems & documentation

  • Maintain a grant tracking spreadsheet and donor database
  • Organize and update grant files, templates, and resource library
  • Assist with donor acknowledgment letters and stewardship communications

Organizational support

  • Assist with annual fundraising campaigns and special funding initiatives
  • Support budget documentation and program outcome reporting
  • Collaborate with leadership to articulate program impact for funders

Ideal Candidate

  • Studying or recently graduated in nonprofit management, communications, English, environmental studies, public administration, or a related field
  • Strong written communication and research skills
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to meet deadlines
  • Interest in wildlife conservation and nonprofit fundraising
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently

Grant funding is one of the most critical tools for a growing nonprofit sanctuary. In this role you will directly contribute to securing resources that support 240+ animals, conservation programs, and education initiatives — with real stakes and real impact.

What You Will Gain

What you leave with

  • Hands-on experience writing real grant proposals for a nonprofit organization
  • A portfolio of completed funding documents and submissions
  • Exposure to the full grant cycle: research, writing, submission, and reporting
  • Mentorship from founders and leadership on nonprofit fundraising strategy
  • Understanding of the conservation funding landscape and philanthropy
  • Letter of recommendation and professional references

All time off must be requested and approved prior to the start of the internship. Unapproved absences may result in dismissal from the internship program.