Independent Sector 2025 Internship Program
Building Future Talent in the Nonprofit Sector
About Independent Sector
Independent Sector (IS) is the nation’s membership organization for nonprofits and philanthropy. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; are trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.
Why does this matter to you as an intern? At IS, interns will play a meaningful role in supporting our mission. Whether you’re interested in policy, advocacy, fundraising, communications, programming, human resources or nonprofit management, you’ll gain hands-on experience, build professional skills, and contribute to work that makes a real impact. Our internship program is designed to provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to work on projects that shape the nonprofit sector.
The IS 2025 Internship Program is designed to:
- Provide students with hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector and exposure to nonprofit operations
- Offer mentorship and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.
- Support interns in making meaningful contributions to Independent Sector’s mission and initiatives.
Program Overview
- A paid internship program for senior undergraduates and graduate students.
- Interns will contribute to meaningful, project-based work aligned with IS’s mission.
- Matched based on academic background, interests, and department needs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Senior undergraduate or graduate student with a 3.0+ GPA.
- Majors: Nonprofit management, public policy, communications, business administration, social sciences, human resources, or related fields.
- Available for 15 hours per week.
Why Choose Independent Sector
- Competitively paid internship program
- Professional development opportunities: Access to mentorship, career coaching, networking events, and skill-building workshops.
- Opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector: Interns will contribute to projects that drive real change in communities.
- Gain practical experience working alongside industry professionals on projects that align with your academic and career goals.
- Exposure to leadership and networking: Interns will have opportunities to engage with senior leaders, attend sector-wide events, and expand their professional network.
Intern Selection Process
- Project-based matching: Departments submit project proposals for review and have the opportunity to interview interns.
- Application and selection: Interns are chosen based on project alignment and overall needs
Application Requirements
- Resume Copy (Resume experience will be assessed based on academic background, relevant coursework, leadership roles, previous internships, volunteer experience, and demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector or related fields).
- Copy of transcript (Unofficial transcripts accepted).
- One letter of recommendation from a professor, employer, or mentor.
Timeline
- February 24 – Application Opens
- March 28 – Application Closes
- April 1 – April 11 – Application Reviews and Interviews
- April 22 – Deadline for Interns to Accept Offers
- May 6 – Internship Start Date
- December 31 – Internship End Date
