Here's how you can gain insights into grantmaking through internships in philanthropy.

Internships in philanthropy provide valuable insights into grantmaking by allowing you to work closely with experienced professionals in the field. Through hands-on experience, you can learn about the grantmaking process, from identifying potential grantees to evaluating grant proposals. You will have the opportunity to see firsthand how decisions are made, learn about funding priorities, and understand the impact of grants on communities. Additionally, networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. Overall, an internship in philanthropy offers a unique and immersive way to gain insights into grantmaking that can shape your understanding and career in the sector.

Philanthropy is not a monolith. Internships grant you access to the multiple types of structures across the philanthropic ecosystem. Regardless of the type of foundation, there is an opportunity to serve as an integral part of the team and deliver on the promise of the mission. Additionally, you will have an understanding of the funder-grantee relationship and immediately see places to deepen the foundation's impact. Internships often provide a unique platform to convene grantees and capture insights about grant portfolios to improve foundation strategy. Finally, an internship offers an opportunity to make recommendations and support major trustee/board decisions. This insight is invaluable.

Understanding grant making through the good of philanthropy can extend beyond serving your communities. Philanthropy offers lessons in money management and organization. It reinforces the value of work. It also enhances professional skills such as communication and accountability in grantmaking. Exposure to grantmaking through philanthropic work at any age can build confidence, professional connections, and cultural awareness. If you know what matters to you, you’ll have an easier time finding relevant organizations to support and you can be more transparent with grantees.

Oh dear. My opinion may not align here. For a start I have never regarded Grantmaking as being the "heart of philanthropy." Not by any stretch. The true heart of philanthropy is the individual who donates from their heart. Who gives with only two questions in mind. 1. Will my money do what you say it will do? 2. Can you prove it? Grant making comes with expectations of reporting within defined time frames. And grants are decided by committees, not the heart of an individual. Grants are helpful and necessary way to establish foundational funding for a nonprofit. But they should always be viewed as foundational. Philanthropy from individuals is the vehicle which results in the nonprofit still undertaking it mission 100 years from now.

Internships are worth their weight in gold. They give men and women priceless exposure to everything in the workplace including position requirements, conversations with high performing individuals in your field and a genuine sense of organizational cultures. They are a superb way to determine potential fit between you and that employer. They often lead to mentors who can contribute so much to your career path and growth. So many success stories started with internships. If there are opportunities in front of you, by all means explore them energetically.

Donors who are individuals may view data from research differently from the way an accountability sub committee may view the same data. Always research by including a routine dose of phone calls to people who are either giving the money, delivering the front line work of the good cause or will be or are the beneficiaries of the good cause. Don't forget that evidence based decision making can be flipped on its head with a few stories arriving from conversations with the intended beneficiaries of a good cause. Pick up the phone. Frequently.

Fazer networking é fundamental para qualquer profissional que queira abrir portas para alavancar sua carreira. Por mais que o estágio seja muitas vezes a primeira experiência profissional, desde já, é importante desenvolver uma rede de contatos, criando conexões que possam gerar influência e percepções diferentes sobre o ambiente filantrópico.

Exposing the rising generation to philanthropic work can build a range of business, communication and networking skills. It also introduces them to the value of supporting a cause. You’ll be reinforcing accountability, the importance of teamwork, and illustrating ways to problem-solve. At the same time, you can create a meaningful impact on their lives and the charities of you. Networking is an important factor in philanthropy.

Before you network, spend time ensuring you know with clarity your innate giftedness. Don't underestimate what your talents are bringing to the work of any nonprofit. As in intern, be aware that not all grant makers, nonprofit leaders or other interns have your gifts. Then temper your understanding with humility. The other side of the coin is that you don't know what you don't know. Be gracious, fair and considerate. But also hold onto the fact that you are a gift to the organisation as well. A gift and a blessing.

To help the rising generation understand how communities work, have them research nonprofits and choose one for your family to support. Encourage them to research the organization’s service model. They should be able to express the challenges being addressed by the nonprofit and the solutions the organization supports. The goal is to help them identify the range of charitable options and understand how financial support can make an impact. By extension, this process of research and discovery helps them identify issues they are enthusiastic about and where they may want to devote more of their energy in grantmaking through philanthropic organisations.

From my career in philanthropy, one of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of building relationships. As an intern, take any opportunity you can to meet the grantees and visit their communities to build relationships with them as a way to better understand the issues, solutions and people. Taking a break from the transactional nature that can occur often in philanthropy, and exploring the relationships side can help sharpen your skills in listening, engagement and observation. These skills can be used in any industry or sector to enhance your work and career.