Grant Writing Intern - Spring 2027

OVERVIEW:

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis seeks a Grant Writing Intern to join our Advancement (fundraising) team. This intern will research and draft written proposals to donor prospects in support of the Museum’s Centennial Capital Campaign, requesting funding for new programs and exhibits. Our team provides personalized, project-based internships that result in a portfolio of real work experience that aligns with students’ passions and enhances appeal to prospective employers.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Research potential new funders, including foundation, corporate, and government sources, to identify opportunities that align with the Museum’s mission and upcoming projects.


2. Write first drafts of letters of intent and full grant proposals to potential donors, utilizing strong research and persuasive/argumentative writing skills.


3. Write first drafts of grant reports, partnering with various museum departments, such as Exhibit Development, School Programming, or Community Initiatives, to collect information and evaluation data to demonstrate project success to funders.


4. When on-site, provide occasional administrative assistance to the Development Team, donor event correspondence, and event preparation, setup, and stewardship.

The Children’s Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) efforts. We cannot transform the lives of children and families unless we embrace all families. Together, we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

REQUIREMENTS:

This internship can be a great learning experience for students in almost any field of study. The main requirement is to have solid writing skills. In addition, candidates should:

1. Be actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree (relevant fields include but are not limited to English, Professional Writing, Communications, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, Museum Studies, Marketing, Liberal Arts, etc.)


2. Be available to work at least 20 hours per week in a flexible weekday schedule, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.


3.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel


4.  Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment


5. Prioritize diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) and represent general museum culture throughout all communication with donors, staff, and visitors.


6. Previous experience (if any): Grant writing, nonprofit writing, and/or communications experience preferred but not required.


7. We strongly encourage applicants to submit a writing sample.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods.