Grant Writing & Development Intern
The Good Fight Community Center | La Crosse, WI
College Internship | $1,000 Semester Stipend + University Credit
Help Fund the Work That Changes Kids' Lives
Behind every successful youth program is a team of people who make sure the resources are there to make it happen.
The Good Fight Community Center is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Grant Writing & Development Intern to help us identify funding opportunities, develop compelling grant proposals, build relationships with funders, and support our broader fundraising efforts.
This is a great opportunity for a college student who enjoys writing, research, organization, and relationship-building and wants hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and development.
You'll work directly with the Executive Director and gain practical experience with the full grant-development process—from researching prospective funders to writing proposals, submitting applications, tracking opportunities, and cultivating relationships with donors and grantors.
What You'll Do
Grant Research & Proposal Development
Research foundations, corporations, government agencies, and other potential grantors
Identify funding opportunities that align with The Good Fight's programs, mission, and funding priorities
Research prospective funders and learn about their priorities, giving history, application requirements, and deadlines
Assist the Executive Director with developing compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and other funding requests
Draft, edit, and proofread grant narratives and supporting materials
Gather information and documentation needed for grant applications
Ensure proposals are accurate, complete, compelling, and submitted on time
Maintain organized records of grant opportunities, applications, deadlines, and outcomes
Funder & Donor Relations
Initiate and maintain professional communication with potential and current grantors
Assist with follow-up communication and grantor stewardship
Research potential major donor prospects
Assist with donor outreach and cultivation
Help identify opportunities to deepen relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners
Development Support
Assist with maintaining and updating The Good Fight's donor database
Help track fundraising activity and prospect information
Support fundraising campaigns and special events
Assist with other development and fundraising projects as assigned
Work closely with the Executive Director to identify new opportunities to strengthen The Good Fight's fundraising capacity
What We're Looking For
Required:
Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university program
At least 18 years of age
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent research and organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Proficient with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
Able to manage deadlines and complete projects accurately and on time
Self-directed and comfortable working independently
Professional and comfortable communicating with external partners
Interest in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, community development, or a related field
Helpful, but not required:
Previous grant writing or fundraising experience
Experience working with youth
Experience with nonprofit organizations
Experience with program development or facilitation
Experience with donor databases or CRM systems
Coursework in communications, English, nonprofit management, business, marketing, public relations, or a related field
What You'll Learn
This internship is designed to provide real-world, portfolio-worthy experience in nonprofit development. Depending on your interests and experience, you'll have opportunities to learn about:
Foundation and corporate philanthropy
Grant prospect research
Grant proposal writing
Letters of inquiry
Fundraising strategy
Donor research and prospecting
Donor cultivation and stewardship
Nonprofit communications
Fundraising databases and CRM systems
Relationship-building with community partners
How nonprofit organizations build and sustain their financial resources
You'll work directly with organizational leadership and see how fundraising connects to the programs and services provided to young people in our community.
Schedule & Commitment
Minimum commitment: 10 hours per week
Some flexibility is available to accommodate class schedules and other academic responsibilities. Interns will work closely with the Executive Director to establish a consistent schedule and priorities.
Compensation & Academic Credit
Interns may receive university/college credit, subject to the requirements of their academic program.
The Good Fight also provides a $1,000 stipend per semester for interns who maintain the required minimum commitment of 10 hours per week.
Stipend payment dates (happen on pay date closest to below date):
May 1st (spring semester)
August 1st (summer)
December 1st (fall semester)
Supervision & Support
The Executive Director of The Good Fight Community Center serves as the internship site supervisor.
You will receive direct guidance, feedback, and support throughout the internship while also having meaningful opportunities to take ownership of projects and work independently.
Why Intern at The Good Fight?
This isn't a hypothetical classroom exercise. Your work will directly contribute to the resources that allow The Good Fight to serve local young people.
You'll help identify the funding opportunities that can provide meals, transportation, academic support, enrichment activities, field trips, mentoring, and other opportunities for kids ages 8–18.
If you're a strong writer, curious researcher, organized problem-solver, and interested in learning how fundraising can turn a good mission into sustainable impact, we'd love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Please send your resume to:
Amanda Worman Holmgaard
Executive Director, The Good Fight Community Center
amanda@thegoodfight.club
Please include a brief note describing your interest in nonprofit fundraising and what you'd hope to gain from the internship.
The Good Fight Community Center is an equal opportunity organization committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for youth, staff, volunteers, and interns.
