Fall 2026 Development Internship at Cultural Survival: Gain Hands-On Nonprofit Fundraising Experience

Are you passionate about Indigenous Peoples’ rights, nonprofit development, and community engagement? Cultural Survival is offering an exciting Fall 2026 Development Internship that provides emerging professionals with valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, event planning, and advocacy. This unique opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking practical experience while contributing to an organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights, cultures, languages, and self-determination worldwide.

About Cultural Survival

Cultural Survival is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization that has worked for decades to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples globally. Through advocacy, media, capacity building, and grantmaking initiatives, the organization supports Indigenous communities in preserving their cultures, defending their lands, and strengthening their voices in decision-making processes.

The organization’s diverse team spans 21 countries, creating a dynamic and multicultural working environment where interns can gain exposure to global development issues and nonprofit operations.

Internship Overview

The Fall 2026 Development Internship is a hybrid opportunity that combines remote work with optional in-person activities in the Boston and Providence areas. The internship will run for three months beginning on September 21, 2026, with interns expected to contribute approximately 15 hours per week.

Although the internship is unpaid, selected candidates will receive a one-time stipend of $500 to assist with internship-related expenses such as:

• Internet costs
• Phone expenses
• Electricity
• Office supplies
• Other work-related needs

Upon successful completion of the program, interns will also receive an official certificate of completion.

What You Will Learn

This internship is designed to provide meaningful learning experiences for individuals interested in nonprofit development and fundraising. Interns will gain practical skills while working closely with the Development team under the mentorship of Senior Development Manager Danielle DeLuca.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding nonprofit fundraising strategies
• Conducting donor and prospect research
• Learning donor stewardship and engagement practices
• Supporting event planning and management
• Building professional communication skills
• Gaining insight into Indigenous Peoples’ movements worldwide
• Collaborating within an international and culturally diverse team

These experiences can provide a strong foundation for future careers in nonprofit management, philanthropy, human rights, international development, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

The selected intern will support various development initiatives and contribute to the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conducting prospect research to identify potential funding opportunities
• Assisting with donor stewardship activities
• Supporting donor acknowledgment and impact reporting processes
• Helping coordinate Cultural Survival events and celebrations
• Contributing to alumni engagement initiatives involving former interns
• Assisting with administrative and development-related projects as needed

Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in the planning and execution of major events, including Cultural Survival Bazaars and the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Cultural Survival Quarterly magazine.

Who Should Apply?

Cultural Survival is seeking candidates who are motivated, organized, and eager to learn. Applicants should have a genuine interest in Indigenous rights, nonprofit development, fundraising, and social justice.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Professional communication abilities
• Reliability and accountability
• Respect for confidentiality when handling donor information
• Interest in nonprofit and human rights work

Fluency in English is required for this position.

Priority consideration will be given to applicants who can participate in person at Cultural Survival Bazaar events scheduled in:

• Boston, Massachusetts (December 12–13, 2026)
• Providence, Rhode Island (December 19–20, 2026)

Benefits of Joining the Program

This internship offers much more than professional experience. Participants will gain valuable mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to the inner workings of an international nonprofit organization.

Benefits include:

• Monthly mentorship sessions
• Hands-on nonprofit development experience
• Exposure to global Indigenous rights issues
• Opportunity to work with an international team
• Professional networking opportunities
• Internship completion certificate
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments
• $500 internship stipend

For students and early-career professionals interested in nonprofit careers, this internship provides an excellent opportunity to build relevant skills while making a meaningful contribution to an important cause.

Application Process

Interested applicants must submit the following documents:

• A resume
• A cover letter addressed to Danielle DeLuca, Senior Development Manager

Applicants are encouraged to use their authentic voice when writing the cover letter. Cultural Survival specifically requests that candidates refrain from using AI-generated content because the letter will serve as a writing sample and help evaluators understand each applicant’s unique perspective and communication style.

The application deadline is July 18, 2026, and early applications are strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the program.

Final Thoughts

The Fall 2026 Development Internship at Cultural Survival is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring nonprofit professionals who want to develop fundraising and donor engagement skills while supporting Indigenous communities worldwide. Through mentorship, practical experience, and meaningful projects, interns will gain valuable insights into nonprofit operations and human rights advocacy. If you are passionate about social impact and eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization, this internship could be an excellent next step in your professional journey.

SUBMIT APPLICATION HERE

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.