Nonprofit Internship Program Connects Philanthropy Scholars With Regional Organizations

The Patterson Foundation has partnered with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to offer students pursuing a degree in philanthropic studies paid internships with nonprofits in the Suncoast region. As part of The Patterson Foundation’s mission to strengthen people, organizations, and communities, the Nonprofit Internship Program will give students valuable, hands-on experience while bolstering nonprofits in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

Obtaining an internship is a valuable experience for Lilly Family School of Philanthropy students and a prerequisite for their degree program. However, the vast majority of internships available with nonprofit organizations are unpaid, which puts students who don’t have outside financial support at a disadvantage. Through this program, interns will work in fundraising, marketing and communications, programs, operations, and other areas for their nonprofits.

By providing paid internships to students at local nonprofits, The Patterson Foundation is investing in students and those organizations. For many nonprofit organizations, it can be challenging to dedicate resources and time toward marketing, events, and other needs beyond the demands of their work in the community. Through this partnership, nonprofits will further their missions while helping college students acquire valuable experience.

The internship program also intertwines with The Patterson Foundation’s Fellows Program, another opportunity under the Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative. Fellows will be responsible for communicating with interns and nonprofits — strengthening their leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. These mentorship opportunities will improve their ability to lead and manage teams in their future work in philanthropy.

To participate in the program, interns must be registered bachelor’s or master’s degree students at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Nonprofits must be established participants in The Patterson Foundation’s NGO Thrivability initiative. To learn more about the Nonprofit Internship Program, please contact initiative manager Dr. Joni Steinberg at jonisteinbergTPF@gmail.com.

This project deepens the strong relationship between The Patterson Foundation and Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, advancing philanthropy and both of their roles in creating good to make the world better. For more information on the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its programs, visit philanthropy.iupui.edu.