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…
MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING INTERNSHIP IN PORTUGAL
Home » Internships »
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HELP RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR VULNERABLE ANIMALS IN PORTUGAL WHILE DEVELOPING A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO OF WORK
This is an incredible opportunity for those who want to use their marketing and fundraising skills to make meaningful change within the environmental sector.
Your job as a marketing and fundraising intern is to craft and share the organization’s key messages. With powerful content comes more donor support. And with more donor support, even more vulnerable, neglected, or mistreated animals can be cared for. You’ll use your creativity to help plan and deliver effective fundraising campaigns to drive engagement. There will also be plenty of opportunities to create impactful content, including social media and web content, that will help to raise awareness of key environmental issues in the region.
Learning objectives:
- Plan and craft impactful content to drive donor support
- Build up knowledge around different areas of marketing and fundraising, such as how to build a campaign and evaluate data
- Understand how an environmental nonprofit operates
- Work within a international team made up of dedicated professionals, interns, and volunteers
- Learn more about the unique fauna and flora native to Portugal
ORGANIZATION
SOS Animal is driven to improve animal welfare throughout Portugal and beyond. They have a main office, as well as a veterinary hospital in Lisbon which are open to the public and members of SOS Animal. They have recently set up an animal sanctuary in the Santarém region of Portugal, which will be home to a rich variety of native animals and plant species.
The organization offers free veterinary care to animals from low-income and vulnerable households and has set up a successful animal sterilization program whereby they have performed over 3000 sterilizations. They have also found new homes for over 600 rescued animals and have given almost 10,000 free veterinary consultations to families in need.
Alongside providing medical treatment and care to animals, the organization aims to share important information relating to animal welfare and environmental issues impacting flora and fauna more widely. They do this through the dissemination of studies, running clarification sessions and hosting lectures and other educational activities. This nonprofit also contributes scientific research and data to help manage communities of stray animals, and promote initiatives aimed at improving animal welfare across the public and private sectors.
In 2013 and 2016, the organization featured on seasons 1 and 2 of the program, ‘SOS Animal’, broadcasted on Portuguese television. And again in 2019, they appeared in the first season of the program, ‘À Descoberta Com’ which had approximately 500,000 viewers per episode.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Responsibilities
As a marketing and fundraising intern on this program, your tasks will include:
- Planning and creating content for the organization’s communication channels, including social media and website
- Building impactful fundraising campaigns to help boost donor support
- Researching opportunities and options for funding
- Monitoring and evaluating data to inform future campaigns and content creation
- All interns assist with general work and at the start of the internship there will be an orientation program with basic skills (taking care of animals, cleaning, etc.)
Requirements
- Share the organization’s core values, demonstrating the desire to contribute to this unique project in Portugal
- A flexible approach to work
- Excellent communication & teamwork skills
- Fluency in English
- Minimum age of 20 years old
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You will stay at the sanctuary in Santarém, where there is a house with the choice of single or shared bedrooms. The house includes all furnishings, bed linen, a shared kitchen where you can prepare your meals, communal areas, as well as an outdoor pool for you to enjoy. The accommodation has access to Wifi and a cleaning service is included. You can buy groceries in the local town or order from an online supermarket for delivery.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Portugal is considered a very safe destination for travel. Crime rates are low, but pickpocketing and handbag snatches do occur in tourist destinations. 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.
Communication
Communication
Free Wifi is available at your accommodation to stay in touch with family and friends while abroad.
Meals
Meals
The accommodation is self-catering and meals are not included in the fee. The consumption of meat and fish is not allowed in the sanctuary. You can order food from an online supermarket which will be delivered to the sanctuary.
Location details
Location details
The nearest city is 5 km from the sanctuary and you are welcome to take one of the sanctuary’s bicycles to explore the surroundings. Santarém is on a plateau, situated on the bank of the River Tagus, a picturesque area surrounded by hills and wheat fields. Located in the middle of the river, is the fairy-tale Castelo de Almourol, arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful castles.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internships are available from January until November. They have fixed start and end dates (generally twice a month), which will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2024 fees)
4 weeks EUR 1,318
8 weeks EUR 2,035
12 weeks EUR 2,751
16 weeks EUR 3,468
20 weeks EUR 4,185
26 weeks EUR 5,261
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.
- Accommodation based on a shared room (up to 4 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
- Wifi access
- Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Supervision and support during your stay
- Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Exclusions
- Flights to Lisbon
- Transfer from the airport to the sanctuary (less than one hour by car)
- 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
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Portugal.
What can I expect from an internship in Portugal?
You can expect to immerse yourself in the local way of life, potentially working on your Portuguese language skills, while collaborating with a diverse and welcoming community. As you contribute to meaningful projects in your chosen field, you’ll gain valuable insights into Portugal’s business practices and build a network of connections.
Will I have time to travel and explore during my internship?
Yes! You’ll have guaranteed days off each week to explore and travel as you please, and you can also ask your supervisor for a long weekend to plan a bigger trip around the country.
Can I receive university credit while on an internship in Portugal?
Yes, but you must ensure with your home university that all requirements are met. You can also choose to purchase transfer credits which will add onto your experience.
Will I receive compensation of any kind during my internship?
Unfortunately, no it is not possible to receive a stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid, so you can find other ways to fund your internship here. The personal and professional growth opportunities, combined with the wealth of knowledge you’ll learn are invaluable!
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Santarém, Portugal
PROJECT FOCUS: Animal Welfare and Conservation NGO
TASK FOCUS: Content Creation, Fundraising, Monitoring & Evaluation, Funding Research
LENGTH: 4-26 weeks
COST: From EUR 1,318
HIGHLIGHTS
- Contribute to important animal welfare and conservation work in Portugal
- Gain a wealth of knowledge in the marketing and fundraising sector
- Boost your resume with international work experience
- Live in a tranquil area surrounded by biodiverse forests
- Collaborate with locals and experience the Portuguese way of life
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!
RELATED PROGRAMS
Marketing and Fundraising Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Santarém, Portugal
- CONTENT CREATION, FUNDRAISING, MONITORING & EVALUATION, FUNDING RESEARCH
Contribute strategically to initiatives aiding in raising crucial funds for vulnerable animals and promoting their welfare and well-being.
Find out more
Veterinary Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Santarém, Portugal
- ANIMAL CARE, VETERINARY ASSISTANCE, TREATMENT
Gain valuable insights into wildlife healthcare by providing first-hand veterinary care for vulnerable animals in a forest sanctuary in Portugal.
Find out more
Reforestation and Biodiversity Internship
- Min. 4 weeks
- Santarém, Portugal
- Field-Based Forestry Care, Data Collection, Wildlife & Plant Surveys
Participate in a conservation program, contributing to the development of a thriving natural environment for Portugal's native flora and fauna.
Find out more
