Investing in the Future of Philanthropy and Suncoast Nonprofits

Editor's Note: Through a collaboration with the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, The Patterson Foundation's Nonprofit Internship Program connects students at the school with opportunities at nonprofits in the Suncoast region. A successful internship results in students gaining priceless experience and insight into nonprofit work, while a nonprofit gains valuable completed projects from students educated at the world's first school of philanthropy.

This summer, six master's degree students from the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) joined six nonprofit organizations across Florida's Suncoast region through internships facilitated by The Patterson Foundation (TPF).

As the world's first school dedicated to the study and practice of philanthropy, LFSOP prepares future leaders to strengthen charitable organizations, communities, and the social sector. Through TPF's longstanding partnership with the school, students gain hands-on experience while nonprofit organizations receive dedicated support for projects that advance their missions.

For TPF, the internships are another example of giving “beyond the check.” Through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative, TPF invests in relationships, learning, and opportunities that strengthen both nonprofit organizations and the next generation of philanthropic leaders.

This summer's internship cohort matches are:

• Iman Fathima Sheik Abdullah with ALSO Youth, gaining experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and audience engagement.
• Fatima Qasemi with Key Chorale, supporting outreach and partnership development for the Come Together Choir initiative.
• Elise Prescott with Harbor58, building experience in donor stewardship, fundraising systems, and philanthropic relationship management.
• Rafiat Olamide Dabiri with Child Protection Center, contributing to donor relations and capital campaign activities.
• Sunmoyee Das with Bless the Badge Ministries, developing skills in impact storytelling, outcomes communication, and donor engagement.
• Olivia Sims with CreArte Latino Cultural Center, exploring earned-income development, community impact evaluation, and organizational sustainability.

While each internship is unique, all share a common purpose: providing graduate students with practical experience while strengthening the capacity of local nonprofit organizations.

Strong communities require strong organizations, and strong organizations require capable leaders. By connecting talented graduate students with meaningful opportunities to contribute, TPF is helping strengthen the Suncoast nonprofit sector today while investing in the leaders who will shape philanthropy tomorrow.