Internship - Strategic Philanthropy and Donor Relations

Department: Development and Community Relations

Program Duration - September 15 – November 21, 2025 (10 weeks) (possible extension through May 2026)

Application Deadline: September 5 at 5:00pm

Program Description

The Strategic Philanthropy and Donor Relations Internship at the Historic New Orleans Collection offers graduate students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic field of nonprofit development. This internship is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to create and implement an annual stewardship plan—an essential strategy for maintaining and enhancing relationships with donors following their contributions. This experience will not only provide practical insights into effective donor engagement but also foster a deep understanding of philanthropic practices within institutions dedicated to preserving public history. Throughout this internship, students will engage with key components of donor stewardship, including the establishment of defined stewardship goals aimed at increasing donor retention, enhancing giving levels, and promoting greater donor engagement. 

A critical aspect of this internship will focus on impact reporting. Interns will learn how to communicate compelling stories and data that illustrate the significance of donor support, thereby reinforcing donors’ connection to the mission of the Historic New Orleans Collection. This practice is crucial in fostering loyalty among donors and encouraging sustained involvement with the organization. By participating in this internship, students will gain hands-on experience in current philanthropic practices within a nonprofit context. They will develop vital competencies in relationship management, strategic planning, and effective communication—all essential skills for future leaders in the nonprofit sector.

Learning Objectives

Defined Stewardship Goals - Interns will learn to articulate and set clear objectives for stewardship efforts, aimed at enhancing donor retention, increasing giving levels, and boosting overall donor engagement. Through practical exercises, they will explore how these goals align with the mission of HNOC. 

Actionable Tasks & Timelines - Interns will identify specific stewardship activities essential for fostering and nurturing donor relationships. 

Impact Reporting - Interns will learn how to craft compelling narratives supported by data that illustrate the tangible effects of donor contributions. By sharing success stories and measurable outcomes, interns will cultivate a culture of transparency and appreciation within the organization.

Engagement Tasks:

The intern will: 

• Develop a comprehensive donor stewardship plan that aligns with organizational goals, 
• Implement targeted communication strategies through effective donor segmentation, 
• Create actionable tasks with clear timelines to enhance donor engagement, 
• Analyze and report on the impact of donor contributions to foster ongoing support, and 
• Cultivate professional skills relevant to strategic philanthropy within non-profit institutions. 

Internship Placement

The intern must be able to commit to at least 10 on-site hours each week, with a maximum of 20 hours per week, at the Historic New Orleans Collection located in the French Quarter. The intern is expected to have completed a total of at least 100 hours between September 15 and November 21, 2025.

Applicant Qualifications

• Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled as graduate students at a four-year university located in New Orleans, Louisiana or must be actively participating in a graduate certification program (e.g., Nonprofit and Strategic Philanthropy Management Certificate, Tulane University; Business Communications, Loyola University in New Orleans).
• Candidacy also applies to applicants who have completed a MA/MS degree or certification program within the last three months.
• Applicants should be pursuing advanced degrees or graduate certifications in subject areas specific to Business, Finance, Communications, Marketing, Non-Profit Management or Administration, Data Science, or Philanthropy. 
• Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of six hours of graduate level coursework in their respective programs prior to September 2025.
• Applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional experience or volunteerism in the non-profit sector (especially in the field of Communications or Philanthropy) is welcomed but not required.