Research and Grant Writing Internship in Cape Town

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Join a team of fundraising experts in Cape Town for a Grant Writing Internship!

If you’re looking to get some practical work experience in fundraising in general, and grant writing in particular, this internship is an excellent opportunity for you. It will allow you to flex your writing muscles, explore the fundraising landscape – both on a South African and international level – and to support some wonderful nonprofit projects in the process.

You’ll join Uniq Foundation, a Cape Town based company that offers fundraising support to local NGOs that are working to fight poverty, boost access to education, and provide skill development. Working with your own non profit clients, you’ll embark on fundraising research projects and you’ll write grant proposals and funding proposals.

The ideal candidate for this research and grant writing internship has a go-getter attitude, a passion for fundraising, and strong writing skills. If it sounds like the opportunity you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you!

ORGANIZATION

Uniq Foundation is a Cape Town based company dedicated to providing fundraising support to nonprofit organizations in South Africa. There is a vast amount of impact-driven organizations that are doing important work on a grassroots level, but financial sustainability is often a problem as the (often overstretched) teams lack the know-how and capacity to attract the right funders. To help these organizations achieve a deeper and more sustainable impact, Uniq Foundation researches funding opportunities, creates professional and effective sponsorship proposals, and writes grants proposals on their behalf. By using their expertise in the fundraising landscape, the Uniq Foundation team creates important links between worthwhile social impact work and donors.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Responsibilities

As a grant writing intern, you’ll focus on the following work;

  • Doing fundraising research; finding grant and other funding opportunities that specifically suit the nonprofit client you’re working with
  • Writing grant applications
  • Creating funding proposals

Requirements

  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Great research skills
  • Good time management skills
  • A passion for nonprofit work

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll be staying at The Lenox, a comfortable guesthouse in the heart of Cape Town. Built in the old Cape Dutch style, The Lenox is characterful and historic. It has multiple balconies, a large dining room, and many other communal spaces. Shared bedrooms include 2 twin beds, and there are plenty of single rooms available as well (at an extra fee). You’ll be walking distance from many shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Be sure to prioritize hydration in the summer to avoid heatstroke. South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware and use common sense to stay safe. Some safety guidelines are to always walk in groups, take a taxi/Uber in the evenings, know safe/dangerous areas, secure your belongings, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.

Communication

Communication

The accommodation offers free Wi-Fi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Cafes/restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked, or setting your phone’s status to roaming, depending on your provider’s rates.

Meals

Meals

A simple breakfast, lunch and a delicious cooked dinner (vegetarian & vegan options available) from Monday to Friday are included in your fee. Indulge in local dishes, like bobotie and South African Braai! For desserts, don’t miss out on milk tarts and malva pudding. There is a diverse food scene in Cape Town, so no matter your cuisine preference or dietary restrictions you’ll have plenty of options. Let us know in advance if you have any allergies/dietary needs.

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 with your during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

12 WEEKS USD 2,321

16 WEEKS USD 2,797

20 WEEKS USD 3,273


Remote internship: USD 525

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 in a shared room (2 pax). If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Meals from Monday to Friday
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • 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
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town International Airport
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Transport to the office
  • Meals during weekends
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

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!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa or Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Fundraising Foundation
TASK FOCUS: Research, fundraising, grant writing
LENGTH: 12-26 Weeks
COST: From USD 2,382 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Boost your resume with practical experience in fundraising and grant writing
  • Contribute to social impact work by assisting nonprofit organizations
  • Be a big part of a small team and really see the results of your work
  • Live and work in Cape Town (one of the coolest cities in the world!) or 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 (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

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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