What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fundraising Intern position at The Poston Foundation?
Company Description The Poston Foundation is a South Carolina 501(c)(3) public charity based in Columbia, focused on strengthening communities through direct aid, partnerships, volunteer engagement, and place-based initiatives that respond to local needs. The Foundation’s primary program, the Carolina Cares Initiative, provides essentials such as hygiene items, shelf-stable food, seasonal supplies, and resource information through outreach, sponsorships, and in-kind support. The organization also leads the Poston Preserve Initiative, advancing historic preservation, public history, conservation planning, and community development in Poston, South Carolina. By collaborating with donors, businesses, foundations, volunteers, civic partners, and community organizations, the Foundation supports nonprofit development, corporate social responsibility, and local impact. Individuals, groups, and partners can learn more, donate, sponsor, volunteer, or collaborate at ThePostonFoundation.org.
Role Description The Fundraising Intern will support the Foundation’s development and outreach efforts by assisting with donor research, data entry, and maintenance of fundraising records and contact lists. This internship role is hybrid, based in Columbia, SC, with a mix of on-site activities (such as meetings, events, and community outreach support) and some work-from-home tasks. Day-to-day responsibilities may include helping draft donor communications, preparing sponsorship and grant materials, tracking donations and acknowledgements, and supporting fundraising campaigns and events for initiatives like Carolina Cares and the Poston Preserve. The intern will collaborate with staff and volunteers on corporate sponsorship outreach, grant prospecting, and stewardship activities, while learning best practices in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, and community engagement. This role is designed to offer hands-on experience in development work, with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
Qualifications
- Interest in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, and community impact, especially related to direct aid, historic preservation, and local partnerships.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft clear emails, donor letters, and outreach materials.
- Basic research and data-entry skills, including comfort working with spreadsheets, donor databases, or CRM tools (training provided as needed).
- Strong organization and time-management abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy in recordkeeping and follow-up.
- Comfort engaging with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment, attending on-site activities in Columbia, SC as needed.
- Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace or Microsoft Office); familiarity with social media or digital outreach is a plus.
- Current student or recent graduate in a relevant field (such as nonprofit management,