Remote Animal Welfare Fundraising Internship

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Assist an animal welfare organization with digital fundraising, grant proposal writing, and fundraising research

Join a passionate animal rescue initiative in Zambia and support their vital work remotely by helping raise crucial funds and awareness. This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a small, impactful organization that rescues and rehomes stray animals, conducts vaccination campaigns, and promotes animal welfare education.

As a Fundraising intern, you’ll play an essential role in the organization’s development and outreach efforts. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit fundraising space, contributing to grant research, proposal writing, and digital fundraising strategies. Your work will directly impact the lives of neglected animals while you build practical skills in marketing, communications, and donor relations.

Learning Objectives

  • Conduct thorough research to identify relevant grant and funding opportunities
  • Write compelling grant proposals that align with the organization’s mission and goals
  • Develop and implement digital fundraising strategies to engage a wider audience
  • Plan and coordinate virtual fundraising events and communicate effectively with donors

ORGANIZATION

Zambezi Animal Welfare Services (ZAWS) was set up in 2014 by a group of friends keen to improve the welfare of domestic animals, mainly dogs and cats, in the Livingstone area. Their aims are to reduce the populations of feral dogs and cats, have a healthier, controlled population of owned dogs and cats, and to educate the local population on animal welfare, dog bite avoidance and on “one health” concepts – the concept that human health, animal health, and environmental health are all closely linked and co-dependent. The organization’s activities to date include mass vaccination and veterinary treatment outreaches in urban and rural areas, spay and neuter campaigns, educational visits to schools and clubs. ZAWS is a small, grass roots organization where your internship can make a real difference.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

You’ll join a small team that’s dedicated to their mission, and you’ll need to be ready to take initiative, manage your remote workload, and work independently on your tasks. Your main focus will be on fundraising and grant funding research, along with proposal writing.  You’ll also have the opportunity to get involved with social media marketing & PR campaigns, such as adoption or educational programs.

Responsibilities

  • Research and identifying grant funding opportunities with international organizations
  • Writing grant applications
  • Creating funding proposals
  • Research and identifying new funding sources and other funding opportunities
  • Develop new funding initiatives (donate books, old clothes, furniture, etc.
  • Assist with donor relationship management
  • Assist with promoting and/or organizing fundraising events
  • Assist with creating and running fundraising and marketing campaigns
  • Assist with managing online communication channels

Requirements

  • Energetic, enthusiastic, and up for a challenge
  • A willingness to take on a variety of tasks & a flexible attitude
  • An ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good time management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail
  • Strong writing skills and an ability to write for various platforms and target audiences
  • Great research skills
  • Computer literate (Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Drive)
  • Knowledge of social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You will be based in Livingstone, a welcoming tourist town in a unique setting. Just a short drive away from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, there will be plenty of opportunities to take sunset boat cruises and explore what nature has to offer! During your time off, you can venture to the African bush for a safari or stroll around the local markets.

Your backpackers accommodation is included in the internship fee, and we’ll arrange it all for you! There are dorms or single rooms available, and you’ll have use of a great number of facilities, including a pool.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Zambia is a relatively safe country, but there is petty crime, so it’s always good to be vigilant. Some safety tips are to avoid traveling alone, take a taxi/Uber at night, know safe/unsafe areas, avoid carrying valuables around, stay alert, and inquire about swim area safety. Prioritize protection from heatstroke and dehydration during your stay by drinking plenty of water. It is also important to respect the advice given to you by the accommodation host and internship supervisor.

Communication

Communication

Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation for staying in touch with loved ones through WhatsApp, Zoom, etc., but it may be slow. Purchase a Zambian SIM card for reliable phone use or opt for roaming.

Meals

Meals

At the backpackers, you can enjoy diverse meals with international and local flavors! During weekdays, breakfast and dinner are included in the fee, and open fire cooking sessions and braais (BBQ) are enjoyed weekly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Livingstone is located in one of Africa’s most peaceful countries, and offers a welcoming atmosphere where the locals will make you feel at home. Add excitement with bungee jumping, white water rafting, or helicopter flights. You can discover landmarks such as the Chobe Safari (Botswana) and Victoria Falls or take a weekend trip over to Zimbabwe!

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

This organization has internship opportunities throughout the year, and the start dates are flexible.

What you’ll pay (2026 rates)

8 weeks USD 595

12 weeks USD 655

16 weeks USD 715

20 weeks USD 775

26 weeks USD 865

At Roots, we do everything we can to make your internship experience smooth and hassle-free. We offer an all-inclusive service, which means we will help you find the right internship (we believe we are great matchmakers!), give you all the information you need before you start your internship, and check in with you while on your work placement to ensure you feel supported.

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits
  • Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Regular check-ins during your internship
  • Support from the Roots team remotely
  • A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
  • A reference letter upon request
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for remote programs.

What can I expect from a remote internship?

Embarking on a remote internship offers a unique and flexible work experience tailored to the digital landscape. From the comfort of your own space, you can expect to engage in meaningful projects, collaborate with professionals in your chosen field, and contribute to real-world tasks from anywhere in the world. The remote setting fosters independence and self-discipline as you manage your time effectively to meet project deadlines and attend virtual meetings. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into remote work dynamics, enhancing your adaptability and digital communicable skills. Connecting with a global network, you’ll experience a diverse and inclusive work environment, transcending geographical boundaries. This virtual journey promises a dynamic and enriching professional development, emphasizing the evolving landscape of remote work in today’s interconnected world. If the idea of engaging in a remote internship has sparked your interest, explore the numerous reasons to consider applying for a remote nonprofit internship.

How will a remote internship help my career development?

A remote internship offers a unique opportunity for career development, allowing you to make a meaningful impact from the comfort of your home. By participating in a grassroots project, you become an important part of a larger initiative committed to sustainable development on the ground. Contributing your skills from a remote setting allows you to make an impact, cultivating a sense of purpose and social responsibility beyond individual contributions. The experience provides valuable knowledge about your chosen field, enhances your professional skills, and allows for cross-cultural collaboration, all within the convenience of your home environment. This remote internship not only adds depth to your resume but also showcases you as a versatile professional dedicated to creating a meaningful difference.

Can I get university credit for a remote internship?

Yes, obtaining university credit for remote internships is often possible, but it depends on the policies of your academic institution. To confirm your eligibility, contact your university and they can offer assistance regarding the steps required and specific criteria for earning credits during your remote internship. We can also assist you in purchasing transfer credits that add onto your internship experience. Keep in mind that your proactive communication with the university and our team can facilitate a smoother process, ensuring that you can maximize the academic benefits of your remote internship.

Will I receive a stipend during my internship?

Unfortunately, remote internships do not pay any kind of salary. Nevertheless, there are other ways to ensure funding for your virtual internship. Although financial compensation may not be a part of your internship, the knowledge and opportunities gained for both professional and personal growth are immeasurable. The value derived from your participation goes beyond financial aspects, making this experience beneficial for your future.

REVIEWS

Joining a Zambian nonprofit gave me a real sense of purpose and connection, even while working remotely. From organizing projects to contributing to fundraising initiatives, I was able to see the impact of my work. The guidance from my mentor and team made the experience education and inspiring, allowing me to come away with stronger skills as well as confidence in pursuing a career in animal welfare.

Hadlie, American – University of Washington

Animal Welfare Fundraising Internship, Remote

Working with the team was truly rewarding, though it was difficult at first to see how poorly some pets are treated—the images and videos were heartbreaking. I hope my work has made a positive impact on how people in Zambia care for their animals. This internship taught me the importance of adaptability; projects can change unexpectedly, and you have to be ready to pause, rethink, and recreate plans when circumstances demand it.

Tyler, American – Northeastern University

Media Marketing Internship, Remote

This was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Doing something with your skills in an organization that really needs it, and seeing that what you do really makes a difference, gives you a feeling you will never have experienced before. That, and a setting that is very rough, but also very beautiful, makes this internship worthwhile. If you love animals and you are keen on doing a marketing and communications internship in Africa – look no further.

Daphne, Belgian – Leuven University

Marketing & Communications Internship, Zambia

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Animal Welfare NGO
TASK FOCUS: Fundraising, Creative Writing, Marketing, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 595

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sharpen your research and creative writing skills
  • Boost your resume with skills in nonprofit fundraising
  • Gain remote working experience
  • Contribute to the mission of an animal welfare organization
  • Be a big part of a small team doing impactful work
  • Enjoy the flexibility of working remotely
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.

GET STARTED

CONNECT

We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.

MATCH

Your placement manager will confirm with the host organization that you are qualified for their current projects.

CONFIRM

When your host site confirms that your application is being given strong consideration, verify your interest with a USD $250 deposit.

ENROLL

Meet with your host organization and move forward with your new role. We’re excited to help you plan your international internship!

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