KIP Spring 2027 - Development Intern - Independence Institute

Stand Together
Denver, CO
HybridCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience in nonprofit fundraising or public policy.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a background in nonprofit management or donor relations
    — “Fundraising is one of the most essential components of a successful think tank”
  • Students or recent graduates interested in public policy and individual liberty
    — “a leading voice for individual liberty, free markets, and limited government”
  • Individuals with strong research and writing capabilities for grant appeals
    — “Contribute to grant writing and fundraising appeals”

Things to consider

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the entire program duration
    — “Eligible candidates will be geographically located in and authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the program”
  • Requires participation in both online and on-site KIP programming
    — “Attending the entirety of the online and on-site KIP programming is required”

How to stand out

  • Highlight specific donor research or event planning experience in your cover letter
    — “Support donor cultivation and stewardship efforts”
  • Showcase academic writing samples that reflect clear communication and analytical depth
    — “Writing sample (approx. 10 pages; academic work preferred)”
  • Emphasize your ability to manage donor databases and analyze data effectively
    — “Assist with donor database management and data analysis”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • fundraising success
  • donor engagement
Typical background
undergraduate or graduate studiesnonprofit experience

Skills & requirements

Required

FundraisingDonor RelationsGrant Writing

Preferred

Event PlanningMarketing

Stack & domain

FundraisingGrant WritingDatabase ManagementCommunicationTeamworkLeadershipNonprofitPolicyDevelopment

About the role

Original posting from Stand Together via Lever

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.

Compensation:

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. 

How to Apply

You will be asked for the following information: 

Current resume

Cover letter explaining your interest and goals

Completed application form

Writing sample (approx. 10 pages; academic work preferred)

College and/or law school transcripts

Three references with full contact information

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 participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or 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 and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Source: Stand Together careers (Lever)

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