Program Intern

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is a public foundation working to advance gender equity, which we believe to be inherently interconnected with racial, economic, and health equity. CFW envisions a world in which all women and girls, and gender-expansive people, have the opportunity to thrive in safe, just, and healthy communities. We celebrate the spectrum of identities and experiences of women and girls, and gender-expansive people uplift their leadership and center the voices of the community to achieve true equity. To support our philanthropy, the Foundation promotes increased investment in women, girls, and gender-expansive people, raises awareness about their issues, potential, and develops them as leaders and philanthropists. Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded over $53 million to hundreds of organizations that help achieve its mission of gender equity across the Chicago region.

CFW looks at the broad spectrum of needs of all women, girls, and gender-expansive people. We support the areas of freedom from violence, economic security, and access to health, which we see as integrally related and are paths forward toward an equitable society.

About Our Partnership with the LEAD Program

We are proud to partner with The CAFE Group’s LEAD Internship Program, which connects college students from underrepresented backgrounds to paid internships in the social impact and philanthropic sectors. Through this partnership, we dedicate ourselves to offering valuable work experiences, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.

As part of the program, interns take part in professional development sessions as a group, connecting with peers across partner organizations to participate in leadership trainings, build their social capital, and access networks and resources that enhance their paths to success. Together, we strive to promote
inclusive leadership, nurture
talent, and help create a future where equity, opportunity, and belonging are central to the workforce.

About the Internship:

The Program Intern will provide essential administrative and project support across all areas of CFW’s program work. CFW partners with local community organizations and leaders, raising funds from the community, and directing resources to frontline groups responding to community-identified needs.

In this role, the intern will support the implementation of CFW’s grantmaking and program initiatives. Working closely with the Director of Programs and Program Officers, the intern will gain hands-on experience with CFW’s grant management system, help organize the annual event calendar for CFW’s Giving Councils and Circles, and assist with coordinating new and existing capacity‑building programs for grantee partners

Responsibilities:

Grant making and grant management

CFW’s grantmaking centers the needs of individuals and families, with a focus on economic security, access to quality healthcare, freedom from gender‑based violence, and reproductive justice.

• Learn to use CFW’s online grant management system


• Assist with basic database tasks, including closing out the spring grant cycle, preparing the fall cycle, reconciling grant records, and exporting data to support impact reporting


• Help the program team update grant guidelines and related materials.


• Support outreach efforts to connect potential applicants with CFW funding opportunities


• Partner with Program Officer to re-engage community members participating in CFW’s community‑led grantmaking processes


• Support research on emerging issue areas or program priorities, including organizing articles, reports, and summaries for team use

Giving Council/Circles - Collective Giving

• Assist Program Officers in completing the spring grantmaking process for Giving Councils and Circles.


• Help plan and support logistics for summer celebrations and recruitment events.


• Assist with updates to the Grapevine online giving platform, including member onboarding and information updates.


• Help confirm and coordinate the annual calendar of events for the Giving Councils and Circles.

Grantee Capacity Building

• Support Program Officers in coordinating both in-person and virtual capacity-building events for grantee partners


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in an office environment that is accessible. Some work at off-site locations may be required, and those may not necessarily be fully accessible.


• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, video conferencing services, scanners, and filing cabinets.


• Travel between the office and other locations may be required.


• Workplace is a smoke and drug-free environment.


• CFW is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. CFW does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. CFW is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited 2- or 4-year institution


• Available to work 35 hours per week in Chicago from June 1st – August 7, 2026 (no relocation support provided)


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills


• Strong attention to details and follow-through


• Solid organizational and time management skills, ability to multi-task


• Works effectively with all levels of staff and volunteers; team player


• Flexible and adaptable style

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

• Passion for CFW’s mission

Compensation:

Paid internship of $20 per hour, approximately 35 hours per week from June 1, 2026, to August 7, 2026. Gain hands-on experience in philanthropic work. Participate in weekly professional development and cohort activities. Contribute to advancing equity and social impact.

Application Process:

Please submit a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in the internship and how your skills/experiences align with the mission of Chicago Foundation for Women.