Grant Writing and Research
Grant Writing and Research Internship
Victory Garden Initiative is a non-profit organization that builds communities who grow their own food as a way of life to create a community-based, ecologically sustainable, socially just and nutritious food system for all. We are a small, dynamic and rapidly growing organization seeking the right team member to join us in changing Milwaukee’s landscape into a lush, food-producing city.
Position Description:
The Grant Writing and Research Internship is an opportunity to expand your knowledge of urban food production, gain connections with the Milwaukee food scene, and hone great communication skills while supporting the creation of a more sustainable and socially just food system. This internship will provide experience in grant management, program evaluation, community engagement, volunteer management, marketing, web-based design, and nonprofit management. This is an unpaid internship - students that qualify for school credit are encouraged to apply. Interns can also be hard-core volunteers that are not students!
Reports to: Program Managers
Schedule and Duration:
September 1 - December 31: 10-15 hours/week
January 1 - May 31: 10-15 hours/week
June 1 -August 30: 10-15 hours/week
Schedule is determined by the Intern and Program Managers at the time of hire.
Location:
- Victory Garden Initiative Office - 249 E. Concordia Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53212
- Victory Garden Urban Farm - 220 E. Concordia Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53212
Learning Opportunities and Duties:
- Work from Victory Garden Initiative office 10-15 hours per week, 2-3 days per week; evening and weekend availability
- Collaborate with Program Managers to research, write, and submit letter of intent and full grant proposals for operations, capacity, and all VGI programs
- Create and update detailed organizational materials, production tracking, budget evaluations, and activity reports
- Develop grant proposal and report materials such as case studies, need assessment, participant testimony, and program impact evaluations
- Maintain grant database with up-to-date deadlines, opportunities, and proposal status
- Research funding opportunities for all aspects of VGI
- Help VGI run an informational/educational table at community outreach events
- Complete other duties as assigned and interested
Qualifications:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated research experience with preference in non-profit funding
- A meticulous attention to detail
- Aptitude for commitment to deadlines
- An ability to multi-task and work efficiently without close supervision
- High degree of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit
- Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Proficiency in MS Office, Google Suite
- Availability some evenings for volunteer events
- Interest in food system issues
- Passionate about changing the food system and living the VGI mission
- Nonprofit management, journalism, communications, marketing, or business student preferred
- Additional desired skills: Previous experience with nonprofit PR or fundraising (not required but preferred)
The Grant Writing and Research Intern is crucial to the success of our programs. In addition to general organizational and program needs, this intern can expect to take part in events and activities that take place at our many outreach events as well as our urban farm, Concordia Gardens.
To apply: Please send cover letter and resume to helpusgrow@victorygardeninitiative.org with the subject line: Internship Program - Grant Writing. If possible, please combine into one PDF document.
Application Due Dates: We accept applications on a rolling basis. However, we usually focus our efforts around these due dates. You may submit at other times, but we cannot guarantee space available at those times or that we will be able to consider your application promptly.
May 1 (Summer Internship), August 1 (Fall Internship), December 1 (Spring Internship)