WWF Prospect Research Internship 2026 | Paid Internship in Washington, D.C. ($20.50–$22.50/Hour)

Job Search Africa; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Competitive hourly compensation

WWF learning programmes

Networking opportunities

Experience with research tools

Contribution to conservation

Job summary

The WWF Prospect Research Internship 2026 in Washington, DC, offers hands-on experience in donor research, data analytics, and nonprofit development while supporting global conservation efforts.

As a paid hybrid internship in WWF's Development Department, you'll gain skills in research, briefing materials, database management, and fundraising initiatives through collaboration with mentors.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Professionalism and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct prospect and donor research using multiple research platforms.
• Prepare executive briefing materials and donor profiles.
• Draft, edit, and proofread development research documents.
• Maintain accurate records within internal databases.
• Support executive-level events and fundraising initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate prospective donors.
• Assist with administrative and research projects.
• Handle confidential information professionally.
• Prospect research and donor intelligence.
• Data analysis and database management.
• Executive briefing preparation.
• Project coordination.
• Professional communication.
• Research technologies including: Blackbaud CRM, Bloomberg, LexisNexis, iWave, SharePoint, Altrata, Candid, Microsoft Office.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research abilities

Written and verbal communication

Organizational and time-management

Independent and collaborative work

Professionalism and confidentiality

Education

Associate Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

Blackbaud CRM

Bloomberg

LexisNexis

iWave

SharePoint

Altrata

Candid

Microsoft Office

Job description

The WWF Prospect Research Internship 2026 offers students an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in donor research, data analytics, and nonprofit development while supporting global conservation efforts.

Based in Washington, D.C., this paid hybrid internship allows interns to work alongside experienced professionals within WWF’s Development Department while building valuable research, communication, and project management skills.

Job Summary

Organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Position: Prospect Research Intern

Location: Washington, D.C., USA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Two in-office days per week)

Job Type: Part-Time Internship

Duration: 6 Months

Working Hours: 21 Hours Per Week

Compensation: USD $20.50/hour (Undergraduates) • USD $22.50/hour (Graduate Students)

Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

About WWF

Founded in 1961, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s largest conservation organizations. Operating in over 100 countries. WWF works with governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to protect wildlife, conserve biodiversity, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development.

WWF’s mission is to help people and nature thrive together through science‑based conservation solutions and collaborative partnerships.

Interns will support donor research, prepare executive briefing materials, maintain research databases, assist with prospect identification, and contribute to fundraising initiatives that advance WWF’s global conservation mission.

Key Responsibilities

Successful interns will:

• Conduct prospect and donor research using multiple research platforms.
• Prepare executive briefing materials and donor profiles.
• Draft, edit, and proofread development research documents.
• Maintain accurate records within internal databases.
• Support executive‑level events and fundraising initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate prospective donors.
• Assist with administrative and research projects.
• Handle confidential information professionally.
• Prospect research and donor intelligence.
• Data analysis and database management.
• Executive briefing preparation.
• Project coordination.
• Professional communication.
• Research technologies including:
  • Blackbaud CRM
  • Bloomberg
  • LexisNexis
  • iWave
  • SharePoint
  • Altrata
  • Candid
  • Microsoft Office

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should be:

Education

Currently pursuing an:

• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Graduate Degree

Preferred fields include:

• Business Administration
• Corporate Sustainability
• Sustainable Development
• Natural Resources
• Supply Chain Management

Students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent research abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Professionalism and confidentiality.

Applicants should also align with WWF’s core values:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect

Selected interns will receive:

• Paid internship.
• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Access to WWF learning programmes.
• Networking opportunities.
• Experience using industry‑leading research tools.
• Opportunity to contribute to global conservation initiatives.

Why You Should Apply

This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in nonprofit development, fundraising research, sustainability, and conservation. Participants will gain valuable practical experience while supporting one of the world’s most respected environmental organizations.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this internship.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this internship paid?

Yes. Undergraduate students earn USD $20.50 per hour, while graduate students earn USD $22.50 per hour.

Where is the internship located?

Washington, D.C., USA.

Is the internship remote?

It follows a hybrid schedule with two in-office days each week.

How long is the internship?

The internship lasts 6 months.

Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the United States.

Final Thoughts

The WWF Prospect Research Internship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for students seeking practical experience in nonprofit development, fundraising research, and conservation. With competitive hourly pay, professional mentoring, and exposure to one of the world’s leading environmental organizations, this internship provides an excellent foundation for a successful career.