Nonprofit Internship Program: My Internship Experience with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity

This summer, I was offered to participate in an internship with Manatee County Habitat for Humanity through the Nonprofit Internship Program, made possible by The Patterson Foundation and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Manatee County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps renovate and provide homes to families in Manatee County, Florida. This organization offers stable housing for families in need as well as opportunities that accompany homeownership.

As an undergraduate student majoring in Philanthropic Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, my personal and academic goals are one and the same -- I aspire to help others while gaining experience in the process. I look forward to deepening my understanding of the nonprofit sector and donor relationships within organizations.

My supervisor, KC Quaretti, gave me the information and resources needed to contact faith-based congregations to spread the word of a faith-build planned to take place in the fall.

This experience helped me strengthen my communication skills, comfortability, and familiarity in connecting with donors. Because it was entirely virtual due to the ongoing pandemic, contacting donors this way was intimidating. However, I faced it!

I collected information, built and updated a database of potential donors, and contacted congregations with hopes of encouraging participation in the faith-build for the Vasquez family. There were many ways to get involved, and I was enthusiastic about sharing Manatee County Habitat for Humanity's work.

This internship exceeded my expectations. I have gained more professional experience than I had ever thought possible. The patience, communication, and problem-solving skills I have developed are irreplaceable, thanks to the Nonprofit Internship Program and my supervisor, KC Quaretti, who was always ready to help with any questions or concerns I had.

I found this experience to be rewarding, and at times, challenging. As an intern, I used the knowledge I gained in the classroom and applied it to the real world. Persistence, professionalism, and time management are just a few of the transferable skills I put to use.

I am proud that I met the goals I set for myself, and KC shared that my contributions positively helped the faith-build. This internship has solidified my interest in fundraising and pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.