INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Grant Writing Intern

CompanyMake-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 1, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Grant Writing Intern will assist in identifying new grant prospects, researching potential funders, and writing and submitting proposals. This role will contribute to the development of Make-A-Wish Illinois’s grants program.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
141
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
15 hours
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About The Company
For Illinois children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 who are battling critical illnesses, Make-A-Wish Illinois works together with the community to create life changing wishes. Children can be referred by a medical professional currently treating the child, the child's parents/guardians or the child him- or herself. There is no cost to the family. Through the support of generous donors and volunteers, Make-A-Wish Illinois is able to provide hope, strength and transformation to hundreds of children each year. See stories of hope on the Make-A-Wish Illinois social media channels @wishillinois.
About the Role

Description

Chicago, Illinois, United States · Unpaid Internship


This internship provides hands-on experience in prospecting grant opportunities, researching foundations, stewarding donor relationships, and writing proposals. The Grant Writing Intern will learn how Make-A-Wish utilizes foundation grant opportunities to further our mission. This role will directly participate in the development of Make-A-Wish Illinois’s grants program, including the researching of grant opportunities, the solicitation of foundations, and the writing and submission of grant applications.


Daily Assignments Include: 

  • Assisting in identifying new grant prospects
  • Researching potential funders to determine best fit
  • Writing and submitting proposals to prospective funders
  • Other duties as needed

Time Commitment: 12-15 hours per week (hybrid work experience), including at least one weekly in-office working day on Thursdays. The cycle runs from June 4th, 2026, through August 6th, 2026. Official start date is on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, with mandatory in-person intern orientation at 9:30am.

Requirements

Skills and Abilities: 

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Desire to contribute to the mission of Make-A-Wish
  • Comfortable talking on the phone with supporters of Make-A-Wish 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Coursework in Business, Non-Profit Management, Marketing, the Humanities (such as English or History), and/or Communications


Additional Requirements: 

  • Must be currently enrolled in a college or university academic program
  • Must be able to commute to our downtown Chicago office located at 200 W Monroe St, Suite 1801 Chicago, IL 60606 and be onsite weekly on Thursdays
  • Minimum age for all internships is 18
  • Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a criminal background check


Benefits

An internship at Make-A-Wish Illinois provides a unique opportunity to see how a renowned nonprofit organization runs from the inside. In addition to the learning opportunities outlined in the internship description, interns also have the opportunity to:

  • Participate in connection sessions with each member of our executive leadership team
  • Participate in skill-building workshops and check-ins lead by Human Resources
  • Build working relationships cross-departmentally with staff and fellow interns 
  • Contribute to our mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses
  • Receive recognition from supervisor(s) and staff during cycle closeout celebration 
Key Skills
Excellent Oral CommunicationExcellent Written CommunicationMicrosoft WordMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft PowerPointAttention to DetailCollaborative EnvironmentPhone Communication
Categories
Social ServicesEducationMarketingAdministrative
Benefits
Unique OpportunitySkill-Building WorkshopsConnection SessionsCross-Departmental RelationshipsRecognition During Cycle Closeout Celebration