KIP Spring 2027 - Development Intern - Independence Institute

Stand Together; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 5,500 - 7,500; Full time

Job summary

Independence Institute in Colorado seeks a Development Intern to gain hands-on experience in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit management within a dynamic policy think tank.

The role offers practical training across donor management, research, events, and grant writing, with mentorship and professional development through Stand Together Fellowships.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational abilities.
• Interest in nonprofit management, fundraising, or public policy.

Responsibilities

• Assist with donor database management and data analysis.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential supporters.
• Contribute to grant writing and fundraising appeals.
• Develop and implement elements of marketing and fundraising strategy.
• Help plan and execute fundraising events.
• Complete individually tailored projects that advance the Institute’s mission.

Skills

Fundraising basics

Donor relations

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

The Koch Internship Program(KIP) is a paid experiential learning program run by Stand Together Fellowships that offers professional development, leadership training, and meaningful work experience at non-profits tackling some of our nation's most pressing policy challenges all over the United States. Early-career professionals including undergraduate/graduate/law students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program. Successful candidates will interview with both our non-profit partner organizations and Stand Together Fellowships staff, so we strongly encourage you to begin the admissions process early!

About Independence Institute

Founded in 1985, Independence Institute is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a leading voice for individual liberty, free markets, and limited government. We offer fulland part-time internships during winter, spring, summer, and fall semesters. Alternate academic schedules can often be accommodated.

Overview

Fundraising is one of the most essential components of a successful think tank—our policy centers simply could not thrive without the support that fuels their work. As a Development Intern, college and graduate students will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations. This role provides practical training that is valuable across a wide range of career fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with donor database management and data analysis
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship efforts
• Conduct prospect research to identify potential supporters
• Contribute to grant writing and fundraising appeals
• Develop and implement elements of marketing and fundraising strategy
• Help plan and execute fundraising events
• Complete individually tailored projects that advance the Institute’s mission

What You’ll Gain

• Direct experience in nonprofit fundraising and development
• Skills in research, writing, event planning, and relationship management
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
• An understanding of how fundraising sustains and grows public policy programs

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational abilities
• Interest in nonprofit management, fundraising, or public policy

Why Join Us

This internship is more than just experience—it’s an opportunity to actively contribute to advancing the Independence Institute’s mission. By the end of the program, interns will have developed a professional toolkit in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit management while making a tangible impact.

$5,500 - $5,500 a year

Stand Together Fellowships pays participants a stipend of either $7,500 for full-time participants working approximately 32 hours per week at the partner organization, or $5,500 for part-time participants working approximately 24 hours per week at the partner organization. Attending the entirety of the online and on-site KIP programming is required for both full and part-time participants.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participantsand applicantswith honesty, dignity, respectand sensitivity.We welcome all qualified applicants regardless ofcolor,race,religion,religious creed,sex,genderor gender identity,gender expression,sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy(including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions),military andveteran status,genetic information,maritalor familialstatus, political affiliation,or any other legallyrecognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.