7 Best Fundraising Internships for 2024
It’s true: money makes the world go around. Every nonprofit trying to make an impact relies on securing funds for their projects. Without it, a nonprofit’s work stops and the…
Fundraising and Marketing Internship in South Africa
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
UNLEASH YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN ORGANIZATION THAT EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH DANCE!
Embark on this Fundraising and Marketing Internship to join a passionate team at a rapidly developing nonprofit organization based in Cape Town, South Africa. This organization uses dance as a tool for equipping children in townships with purpose, confidence, and a positive outlet for their creativity. As a remote intern, you’ll have the opportunity to help develop the organization’s marketing and fundraising strategies, while having the flexibility of working from home.Â
Your main responsibility will be to help spread awareness about this program in a number of ways; depending on your skills and interests, you’ll be involved in fundraising activities, stakeholder management, crafting blog content, managing social media channels, or even developing and managing backend systems. You’ll have the chance to gain a wealth of remote work experience and develop a broad range of communications skills.Â
Note: You’re more than welcome to head to Cape Town for your internship to meet the team members based in South Africa and attend the weekly dance classes. The organization does not have an office so you’d still be working remotely, but you’d have the chance to engage with the dance students and gather content in the field. Please contact us for more information on this option.
Learning Outcomes
- Practical work experience in fundraising, communications, digital marketing, social media management, and creative writing
- An understanding of the nonprofit sector and its needs
- Create a portfolio of published blogs while gaining international work experience
- Experience in working on a strategic level within a grassroots organization
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be part of a nonprofit organization that teaches dance to children from underprivileged communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Their goal is to, through the medium of dance, instill a self-belief and sense of purpose in children who grow up in poverty. Through regular dance classes, the NGO equips kids with the confidence and life skills to move beyond what they previously may not have believed was possible.
Apart from teaching dance classes, and organizing showcase performances for the children, the organization also runs a life skills program that teaches kids about issues such as personal health care, conflict management, leadership, positive thinking, and critical thinking. Their goal is to provide kids with strong communication skills and the right amount of assertiveness to successfully pursue their dreams.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
As a Marketing and Fundraising intern with this NGO, you’ll be an essential part of a small but fast-growing organization. Your exact role will be tailored depending on your knowledge and experience, so you’ll be able to use your skills effectively and reach your internship learning goals.
Responsibilities
Depending on your skills, your tasks will include:
- Writing blog content and assisting with website management
- Writing newsletters, grant applications, and other funding proposals
- Managing and developing social media channels
- Helping run digital fundraising and email marketing campaigns
- Doing fundraising research and helping develop a fundraising strategy
- Assisting with developing and managing backend systems
Requirements
- Strong communication & organizational skills
- Excellent English writing skills
- Ideally some experience in digital marketing and/or fundraising
- An interest in social media
- A willingness to learn & a flexible attitude
- A passion for the work this organization does
- Ability to work independently and take initiative with creative ideas
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping. Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.
South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.
Communication
Communication
Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).
Meals
Meals
Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.
Location details
Location details
Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
8 weeks USD 1,925
12 weeks USD 2,444
16 weeks USD 2,962
20 weeks USD 3,481
24 weeks USD 3,999
Remote internship: USD 595
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking to ensure a suitable internship placement
- Initial interview to assess skills, interests, and learning objectives
- 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.
- Accommodation in a mixed-gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female-only dorm, or single room – please contact us for availability and prices.
- Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Wifi access
- Housekeeping service
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- Onboarding with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
- A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns
Exclusions
- Flights to Cape TownÂ
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
- Transport costs to Gugulethu, where the workshops take place
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.
What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?
During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.
Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?
Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.
Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?
Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?
Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!
REVIEWS
My remote internship exceeded my expectations due to the kind and enthusiastic individuals that I worked with. Being a part of a nonprofit organization has been an absolutely humbling and wonderful experience and I wish I could have done this internship in-person. I am from South Africa, but I am currently based in the USA. Interning with a South African nonprofit allowed me to have a little piece of home all the way across the world; not only was I working for an amazing organization that has the potential to transcend South African borders, but the organization also gave me the motivation that I needed during the pandemic times!
Dominique, South African – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Writing Internship, Remote
Overall, I had a great experience. My supervisor was a wonderful person who was understanding, helpful, provided consistent feedback, and stayed in communication with me even though we were on different continents. While I think the experience could have been better if I had been able to do the work on the ground, I still feel I learned a lot about the organization and the community it serves. I appreciate the support that I received throughout my internship and look forward to being able to utilize the skills I developed in digital communication, project management, lesson planning, and grant research in my future career in public health, which I hope to be with a nonprofit that supports youth development.
Tawanna, American – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Youth Development Internship, Remote
I wrote my bachelor thesis on fundraising communication strategies for the German market in order to help the nonprofit expand its pool of monthly donors internationally. I learned a lot about fundraising marketing through the research and development of new plans and am so happy that I was able to broaden my horizons. Professionally, I have gained valuable insights into fundraising marketing activities. On a personal level, I feel like I have learned a lot about the children's culture in South Africa without ever having visited them. The collaboration with the organization in general was kind, respectful, and overall enhancing for me. My supervisors were always extremely supportive and encouraging, making my bachelor thesis pleasant and fun. I look forward to staying in contact with them and helping implement new ideas wherever I can. After having worked in large companies before, this internship showed me that I would love to work in smaller teams on a more personal level in my future career. Also, it showed me that it does not take much to make a huge impact on others' lives. In the future, I want to be more grateful and contribute to the well-being of others.
Merle, German – Hanzehogeschool
Marketing & Fundraising Internship, Remote
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
PROJECT FOCUS: Dance NGO
TASK FOCUS: Strategy, Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Monitoring
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 595 (remote) / USD 1,925 (in-person)
FEATURED REVIEW
I wrote my bachelor thesis on fundraising communication strategies for the German market in order to help the nonprofit expand its pool of monthly donors internationally. I learned a lot about fundraising marketing through the research and development of new plans and am so happy that I was able to broaden my horizons. Professionally, I have gained valuable insights into fundraising marketing activities. On a personal level, I feel like I have learned a lot about the children's culture in South Africa without ever having visited them. The collaboration with the organization in general was kind, respectful, and overall enhancing for me. My supervisors were always extremely supportive and encouraging, making my bachelor thesis pleasant and fun. I look forward to staying in contact with them and helping implement new ideas wherever I can. After having worked in large companies before, this internship showed me that I would love to work in smaller teams on a more personal level in my future career. Also, it showed me that it does not take much to make a huge impact on others' lives. In the future, I want to be more grateful and contribute to the well-being of others.
Merle, German – Hanzehogeschool
Marketing & Fundraising Internship, Remote
HIGHLIGHTS
- Gain experience in digital marketing and fundraising
- Get a thorough understanding of the nonprofit sector
- Be part of the overall strategy and development of a fast-growing nonprofit
- Enjoy hugely varied tasks, and plenty of responsibilities
- Enjoy the flexibility of working from home, while gaining international work experience
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 (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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