KIP Spring 2027 - Development Intern - Grassroot Institute of Hawaii

The Koch Internship Program (KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!

Job Summary: The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented development intern to support the organization’s growing fundraising and development operations. Working closely with the director of development, the intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor research, development strategy, direct marketing, event planning and supporter engagement.

This is an opportunity to learn how a growing public-policy nonprofit builds relationships with donors and supporters, identifies new funding opportunities and develops the resources needed to advance its mission.

As Grassroot expands its development activities in the coming years, the intern will have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and contribute to projects that directly support the organization’s growth.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Conduct general and detailed donor and prospect research, including researching individuals, foundations, corporations and other potential supporters.
• Assist with prospect identification and development, helping staff identify individuals and organizations with an interest in Grassroot’s mission and policy priorities.
• Help prepare donor briefings, prospect profiles, research reports and other development materials.
• Assist with maintaining accurate and up-to-date donor records, databases and development files.
• Support the director of development with grant research, grant applications, donor correspondence and other fundraising projects.
• Assist with donor communications and stewardship, including preparing correspondence, thank-you letters, invitations and other supporter materials.
• Assist with planning and executing fundraising events, donor meetings and other Grassroot activities, including preparation, registration, logistics and follow-up.
• Assist the finance team with development-related projects involving donations, reporting, reconciliation and financial information as appropriate.
• Assist Grassroot staff with special projects, research assignments and other tasks that support organizational growth.
• Participate in staff calls, leadership team meetings and development meetings as appropriate.
• Exercise discretion and professionalism when handling confidential donor and financial information.
• Maintain regular attendance, punctuality and reliable communication.
• Converse professionally with new contacts on the phone and in person.

Skills and qualifications

• Alignment with the vision and mission of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii and an interest in individual liberty, economic freedom and accountable government.
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate and readable prose.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to organize information accurately and efficiently.
• The ability to communicate professionally and confidently with a wide range of people, including donors, community leaders, business professionals and nonprofit partners.
• The ability to identify and cultivate useful sources of information through online research, phone calls, email and community outreach.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a small, fast-moving team.
• Good judgment and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency with common office and productivity software; experience with donor databases such as Salesforce, spreadsheets and prospect-research tools is a plus.
• Previous experience with fundraising, nonprofit organizations, events, research, communications and/or customer service is helpful but not required.
• Current college students, recent graduates and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
• The ability to reliably commute to Grassroot’s main office in downtown Honolulu is preferred.
• The position is primarily intended to be on-site, although remote work could be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Professional Growth

The development intern will gain practical experience in the day-to-day operations of a growing nonprofit development program, including:

• Donor and prospect research.
• A strong understanding of major-gift fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Foundation and corporate fundraising.
• Direct mail prospecting and cultivation.
• Grant development.
• Donor stewardship and communications.
• Public event planning, with an emphasis on development-focused events.
• Nonprofit financial operations.
• Development strategy and planning.
• Direct interaction with senior nonprofit leaders.

The ideal candidate is curious, resourceful, professional and eager to learn. This position is designed for someone who wants more integration into impactful projects than a traditional internship would allow and is interested in developing practical skills in nonprofit fundraising, relationship management and organizational growth.

Why work at Grassroot?

This is an exciting time to join the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Founded in 2001, Grassroot is a growing nonprofit public-policy organization dedicated to advancing individual liberty, economic freedom and accountable government in Hawaii.

The development intern will work alongside experienced members of Grassroot’s development and leadership teams and will have the opportunity to see firsthand how a nonprofit builds a donor base, develops major-gift relationships, secures foundation support, organizes fundraising events and invests in long-term organizational growth.

Because Grassroot’s development operation is expanding, a successful intern could have opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and continue working with the organization as their skills and experience develop.

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be changed or assigned at any time without notice.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.