Grant Intern

Description

Grant Intern

Grant Manager

Varies

Pasadena, CA (Hybrid)

Intern – College Course Credit – 20 hours (Approx.)

Yes [ If yes, see driving policy below]

College Credit

At Ability First, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Ability First programs are person-centered and tailored to individual interests and needs. They are grounded in individual choice, autonomy, community participation, with a focus on creating social connections and a sense of belonging.

We are currently seeking a Grant Department Intern who is excited to gain hands‑on experience in nonprofit fundraising to carry out the mission of Ability First.

Ability First’s Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to gain real‑world experience in nonprofit fundraising and development. The Grant Department Intern will support the Development Team by assisting with research, prospecting, data entry, and preparation of materials for grant proposals and reports. Interns will learn how corporate, foundation, and government funding contribute to the mission and impact of Ability First.

This internship is ideal for students pursuing degrees in English, Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Marketing, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology who are interested in exploring careers in grant writing, fundraising, or the nonprofit sector. Interns will gain exposure to the full grant cycle—from prospect research to reporting—while collaborating with the Development Team in a supportive learning environment.

Ideal candidates are curious, detail-oriented, and strong writers
. They are eager to learn, demonstrate a professional demeanor, and enjoy working collaboratively. This internship offers meaningful professional development for students seeking to strengthen their writing, research, and organizational skills while contributing to Ability First’s mission of looking beyond disabilities and focusing on capabilities.

• Assist with research on prospective foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities. Analyzes grant information from grantors and identifies where Ability First needs and grantors’ goals match.
• Develops a comprehensive working knowledge of the types of funding (program-specific and general operating funds) available to Ability First from corporations, foundations and government agencies.
• Support preparation of grant proposals and reports by gathering information and drafting sections under supervision. Gather program data and success stories from staff to support grant writing efforts.
• Assists in tracking deadlines, deliverables, and follow-up correspondence with funders; participates in monitoring programs funded through grants and evaluating their success; gathers information and prepares reports on program implementation and progress for submission to the grantor.
• Help organize and maintain grant records in Salesforce.
• Provide administrative support, including note-taking at team meetings, preparing reports, and proofreading documents.
• Work with Grant Writer to maintain effective, long-term working relationships with grantors to facilitate approval of grants; ensure grantors are invited to special events or related functions; maintain informal contacts through telephone calls, e‑mail, personal notes, and other methods.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well‑being of all participants.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required
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• Must be at least 18-24 years of age is required
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• An interest in English, Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Marketing, Social Work, Sociology, or Psychology is preferred, but not required.
• Must be currently attending a university or college while pursuing a…