Internship Opportunities with the FUND

The FUND FOR SANTA BARBARA is a nonprofit community foundation that supports organizations working for social, economic, environmental and political change in Santa Barbara County and our internship program plays a critical role in helping us accomplish our goals.

Though each position is different based on the specific work each intern will do, all of our interns will gain firsthand knowledge of the inner-workings of an effective nonprofit fundraising organization through interaction with staff, our Board of Directors and the Grant Making Committee. We strive to make our internships exceptional learning experiences--to provide insight, training, and professional development opportunities tailored to the interests of our interns and to the needs of the organization.

From Former FUND Interns

"One of the most memorable aspects of my internship experience at the FUND was building relationships with grassroots NGOs and activist groups who are making change happen -- this definitely helped me to feel more connected to and invested in the Santa Barbara community. Another worthwhile experience was learning about the process of awarding grants from the perspective of a community foundation; as someone who may be in the position of applying for grants one day, I know that the insight I gained into what a foundation looks for in a project or program will be invaluable."

"My time at the FUND helped me develop a deeper connection to my community through meaningful and lasting work. While the communication skills I honed at the Fund help me every day at work, the professional relationships I developed with the other staff and interns were the greatest value gained. "

"Interning at the FUND grew my confidence in professional settings and inspired me to continue working in social justice focused nonprofits. My favorite thing about the FUND is that it acts as a hub in the Santa Barbara County community. Learning about the great organizations in the area is a huge reason that I decided to make Santa Barbara my home - and that’s largely thanks to the FUND!"

"Interning with the Fund for Santa Barbara provided new perspectives on grassroots philanthropy. As an intern, I met with community organizers and participated in collaborative projects. I learned that grant making is not placed in the power of a single entity but rather a network of agencies who seek to create social change in communities like Santa Maria. This program allowed me to grow as a leader, and it has motivated me to pursue social justice at UCLA."

"I’ve always known that I wanted to be an event planner but my time at the FUND as a events & development intern and then as an administrative assistant really propelled my career. Working in a professional environment gave me the confidence and edge when it came to interviewing for jobs post-college. All of my managers have praised my professional written skills (email) and boy did I send a lot of emails at the FUND! Communicating with colleagues, supporters, donors, and volunteers at the FUND gave me valuable skills vital to any job. Even answering the main phone line at the FUND gave me valuable problem-solving skills and the ability to think quickly on my feet. Specifically for events, Bread & Roses still remains one of the largest events I’ve worked on attendance-wise! Managing stakeholders, invites, sponsorships, different vendors & performers, and day of execution are all tasks I’ve learned at the FUND and still do in my events today."

"I believe it would have been a lot more difficult securing my first job out of college if I didn’t have my experience at the FUND under my belt. It’s tough competing for interviews already among candidates with full-time experience but having internships puts us up there. My experience at the FUND was the vital bridge connecting college studies in the classroom and the “real world”. I couldn’t be where I am today in my career without the FUND so I’m extremely thankful."

"The Fund's Internship Program was a comfortable, friendly setting where I learned the ups and downs of non-profit organizations and it helped foster my preparation for the employment market after graduating college. I only have good memories at the Fund, about the amazing work we did for the community and the people that I worked with that made me feel at home."

"The FUND's internship program was an invaluable experience that shaped my professional trajectory in really fulfilling ways. Although I had lived in Santa Barbara for over a year, my brief time at the FUND connected me to the perspectives and experiences of communities throughout Santa Barbara county that I hadn't yet gotten to know. It inspired me to dive into the nonprofit sector after moving back to my hometown to give back to the communities that raised me. It also fueled my drive to support really important global initiatives related to sustainability, which I'm still pursuing to this day. Although I no longer work full-time in the nonprofit sector, I still carry a passion for service and use all the professional skills I first picked up at the FUND. I'll always be grateful for my time at the FUND."

"The FUND’s internship program opened my eyes to the abundance of community organizing that happens in Santa Barbara county. Being an intern at the FUND helped me develop various administrative skills that will benefit me in my future employment avenues. "