Grants and Development Intern

*Note: Application will close after one week or after we reach a critical mass of applicants, whichever comes first*

Introduction: ACE is seeking Grants and Development Interns for Summer 2026. The Grants and Development Intern will work closely with the Grants & Policy Manager to research funding opportunities, organize grant materials, and support the development of grant applications that advance ACE’s mission. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit development and a behind-the-scenes look at how organizations secure funding to sustain and grow their impact. The Grants and Development Intern is an essential part of ACE’s growth strategy as we work to eliminate financial barriers for students and build sustainable organizational infrastructure.

The Summer 2026 internship cycle runs from May 18th through August 14th.

Detailed Description: Grants and Development Interns will support all aspects of ACE’s grant management process, from identifying funding opportunities to assisting with application development. Primary responsibilities include researching and identifying grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources; creating detailed summaries of grant requirements, deadlines, and alignment with ACE’s mission; tracking application deadlines and organizing grant materials in shared folders; and assisting with drafting letters of intent (LOI) and supporting materials for grant applications. The intern will participate in weekly check-ins with the Grants & Policy Manager to discuss progress, review research findings, and collaborate on upcoming applications. Interns who complete their core responsibilities efficiently will have opportunities to take on additional projects aligned with their interests and professional goals. 

This position requires an estimated 10 hours per week

• 1 hour: Participating in weekly check-in with Grants & Policy Manager
• 6-8 hours: Conducting grant research, organizing materials, and supporting application development
• 1-2 hours (dependent on research deliverable and intern interests): Administrative tasks

Desired Skills:

• Graduate-level students preferred; undergraduate students with relevant experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, or fundraising will be considered
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written communication and attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision
• Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, or philanthropy
• Bonus: Prior experience with grant writing, nonprofit work, or fundraising 

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in nonprofit grant development and fundraising strategy 
• Learn the full grant lifecycle from research to application to relationship building 
• Build highly transferable skills in research, strategic thinking, and professional writing 
• One-on-one mentorship and weekly feedback
• Gain insights into organizational sustainability and how nonprofits secure funding 
• This is an UNPAID role

ACE Fellows and Interns have gone on to earn nationally competitive fellowships, work at top think tanks and government agencies, and attend premier public policy, international affairs, and public administration graduate programs. 

Location: This position is a remote role that can be undertaken remotely from anywhere in the U.S. with reliable internet connection.

Academic Credit: This internship can be undertaken for academic credit. Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.

Again, this is an UNPAID position.