Nonprofit Development & Operations Intern

Description

The Eckhart Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a place for all, forever through steadfast support of the Eckhart Public Library in Auburn, Indiana. The Foundation raises and stewards private gifts that sustain the library’s historic facilities, enhance programs, and strengthen the library as a gathering place for the community.

As part of the internship, the student will complete a guided project focused on improving the organization’s digital records and stewardship systems while learning how nonprofit organizations maintain financial transparency and strong donor relationships.

The Nonprofit Development & Operations Internship is designed to provide hands-on learning in nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, and organizational operations. The intern will gain exposure to how community nonprofits manage donor relationships, maintain financial accountability, and organize records that support transparency and long-term sustainability.

The intern will work directly with the Foundation’s professional staff and receive regular supervision and mentorship from the Foundation’s COO and Director of Communications. Training will include an orientation to nonprofit development practices, donor database systems, financial documentation standards, and event support. The intern will also have opportunities to observe how fundraising initiatives and donor communications are planned and executed.

Learning goals for the internship include:

• Understanding how nonprofit organizations steward donor relationships

• Learning best practices for nonprofit financial documentation and accountability

• Gaining experience with donor databases and relationship management systems

• Developing an understanding of fundraising operations and event support

• Learning how organized record systems support transparency and long-term sustainability in nonprofit organizations

This internship is ideal for students interested in nonprofit leadership, public administration, communications, or community engagement.

Responsibilities

The intern will support several ongoing projects that contribute to the Foundation’s fundraising and stewardship work while learning nonprofit operational practices.

Nonprofit Development & Stewardship

• Assist with maintaining the donor database, including entering donor interactions and updating donor records

• Support donor stewardship activities such as preparing tax receipts, donor acknowledgements, and stewardship correspondence

• Learn how donor relationships are tracked and managed within nonprofit organizations

Financial Documentation & Accountability

• Review financial documentation to ensure records are complete and properly organized

• Assist with organizing financial records that support nonprofit reporting and transparency

• Learn how financial documentation supports nonprofit accountability and long-term stewardship of donor gifts

Event & Fundraising Support

• Assist with preparation for fundraising events and donor engagement activities

• Support event logistics, including preparing materials and assisting during events

• Observe how community events contribute to fundraising and donor engagement strategies

Organizational Records & Digital Systems

• Assist with maintaining organized physical and digital records

• Support projects to digitize historical documents and improve document management systems

• Learn best practices for nonprofit record retention and documentation

Administrative tasks such as scanning or filing may occur occasionally as part of larger organizational projects but will not exceed 25% of the intern’s responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Current college student interested in nonprofit work, communications, public administration, or community engagement

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Willingness to learn new systems such as donor databases and digital record management

• Ability to work independently and ask questions when needed

• Interest in supporting community organizations and public institutions

No prior nonprofit experience is required. Training and mentorship will be provided throughout the internship.

Contact Information