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Leila
Student
1
Question
Updated
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What is a "volunteer internship" And is it any less legit/effective than a position that is just called an "internship"??
Found a grants and fundraising position that's called a "volunteer internship". This confused me, since I have usually seen "volunteer" roles and "internship" roles as separate categories. So what's the difference between a "volunteer internship" and a normal "internship"? Would a "volunteer internship" mean less mentorship, not enough learning experience, etc.? Or, is the only difference between this "volunteer internship" and other normal "internships" that it's a nonprofit organization, and potentially unpaid (it was stated that "a small stipend may be available depending on future funding")?
It still seems that I would get helpful experience through this role, since I have no grant writing experience.
I also got a pretty quick response to my application (literally same day as I applied), and I only had to submit my resume. Both of these details made me wonder if this would lean more into the "volunteer" side than the "internship" side.
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4 answers
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
75
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is very wise of you to look closely at the terminology used in job postings, as navigating the early stages of your career can sometimes feel like learning a whole new language. A volunteer internship is essentially a hybrid role often used by nonprofit organizations to describe a position that offers the structured learning and professional development of an internship but without the standard hourly pay of a corporate role. While the title might sound a bit different, it is no less legitimate than a traditional internship, especially in fields like grant writing where hands-on experience is the most valuable currency you can have. The quick response and simple application process often just mean that the organization is small, agile, and truly in need of help, which can actually work to your advantage because it often leads to more direct responsibility and a closer look at how the entire operation functions. As long as you feel the organization is committed to teaching you the craft of fundraising and providing you with real tasks to add to your portfolio, this could be a fantastic springboard into the nonprofit world. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to ask them specifically about the mentorship and training you will receive to ensure it meets your goals. You are clearly a thoughtful and diligent person, and taking this step to build your skills will serve you well for years to come. I am excited to see where this opportunity leads you and how your new skills will help you make a difference. Good luck.
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Leila !
The word volunteer means that it's not employment and you do not get a paycheck. A "stipend" means that they may give you a small monetary compensation according to their ability to have it in their budget. You didn't say which field of work this is for or if you would be doing the internship in high school or college.
Although there are some pre-college type internships (if you are in the United States) that are offered to high schoolers in certain fields of work, most Internships are for college students who have a couple of years knowledge studying the subject and have the basic knowledge. There are also Internships for college graduates that get hired and are an employee of the place they do the internship at. The purpose of an internship is to provide a professional learning experience that integrates classroom knowledge and theory with practical application and skills development in a real world workplace setting. Internships are very valuable and it is definitely the right thing to do to list it on a resume. The particular place and type of work you do at the internship is what is important.
The amount of oversight and guidance on an internship is dependent on your internship supervisor. It can't be answered in general and all fields of work are different. Some people go straight to Volunteer Work and learn a great deal that helps them for their career. It doesn't necessarily have to be an Internship. Contact the internship supervisor and ask what your duties will be. Any internship as well as volunteer work goes on your resume.
I see that you've mentioned that the internship is for Grant Writing ? And you have no experience in grant writing as of yet ? You may want to go online and take an introduction overview about grant writing before you start this internship. Grants are written and applied for by venues in the Arts, Sciences, Mental Health Programs, community services, social services, food banks, shelters, advocacy groups, school districts, colleges and cultural institutions. All grants require different information.
The monies from the grants are also for different purposes. Some reasons for grants or specific targeted grant money can be for program expansion, operational support, capital projects, teaching, research, student aid, infrastructure, and innovation in curriculum or technology, formula grants, block grants, competitive discretionary grants, and for research.
It may be good to take some online instruction before you start the internship. I left a link to one website that you can take for free and there are others such as The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, New Mexico State University’s Global Campus, Research Grant Writing 101, hosted by Sarah Dobson, Udemy offers a free tutorial called Just Start Grant Writing, and Learn Grant Writing (link is below). These are all free and online at this time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
FREE ONLINE GRANT WRITING CLASS NonprofitReady.org
LEARN GRANT WRITING LearnGrantWriting.org
The word volunteer means that it's not employment and you do not get a paycheck. A "stipend" means that they may give you a small monetary compensation according to their ability to have it in their budget. You didn't say which field of work this is for or if you would be doing the internship in high school or college.
Although there are some pre-college type internships (if you are in the United States) that are offered to high schoolers in certain fields of work, most Internships are for college students who have a couple of years knowledge studying the subject and have the basic knowledge. There are also Internships for college graduates that get hired and are an employee of the place they do the internship at. The purpose of an internship is to provide a professional learning experience that integrates classroom knowledge and theory with practical application and skills development in a real world workplace setting. Internships are very valuable and it is definitely the right thing to do to list it on a resume. The particular place and type of work you do at the internship is what is important.
The amount of oversight and guidance on an internship is dependent on your internship supervisor. It can't be answered in general and all fields of work are different. Some people go straight to Volunteer Work and learn a great deal that helps them for their career. It doesn't necessarily have to be an Internship. Contact the internship supervisor and ask what your duties will be. Any internship as well as volunteer work goes on your resume.
I see that you've mentioned that the internship is for Grant Writing ? And you have no experience in grant writing as of yet ? You may want to go online and take an introduction overview about grant writing before you start this internship. Grants are written and applied for by venues in the Arts, Sciences, Mental Health Programs, community services, social services, food banks, shelters, advocacy groups, school districts, colleges and cultural institutions. All grants require different information.
The monies from the grants are also for different purposes. Some reasons for grants or specific targeted grant money can be for program expansion, operational support, capital projects, teaching, research, student aid, infrastructure, and innovation in curriculum or technology, formula grants, block grants, competitive discretionary grants, and for research.
It may be good to take some online instruction before you start the internship. I left a link to one website that you can take for free and there are others such as The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, New Mexico State University’s Global Campus, Research Grant Writing 101, hosted by Sarah Dobson, Udemy offers a free tutorial called Just Start Grant Writing, and Learn Grant Writing (link is below). These are all free and online at this time.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Ping C
Librarian
14
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Ping’s Answer
Dear Leila,
A volunteer internship is an unpaid, learning-focused role—most often in a nonprofit—where individuals gain hands-on experience while contributing to the organization’s mission. For example, a volunteer internship in a nonprofit is a great way to learn grant writing skills and gain real-world experience.
Many nonprofits rely heavily on grants from governments, foundations, and corporations for a significant portion of their funding, and they also depend on volunteers as an essential part of their workforce. Because of this, volunteer interns are often entrusted with meaningful, substantive work rather than just observational tasks.
A volunteer internship is no less legitimate or effective than a position labeled simply as an “internship.” It offers hands-on experience, skill development, professional networking, and the opportunity to make a meaningful community impact—all while exploring or strengthening career interests.
Hope it helps.
A volunteer internship is an unpaid, learning-focused role—most often in a nonprofit—where individuals gain hands-on experience while contributing to the organization’s mission. For example, a volunteer internship in a nonprofit is a great way to learn grant writing skills and gain real-world experience.
Many nonprofits rely heavily on grants from governments, foundations, and corporations for a significant portion of their funding, and they also depend on volunteers as an essential part of their workforce. Because of this, volunteer interns are often entrusted with meaningful, substantive work rather than just observational tasks.
A volunteer internship is no less legitimate or effective than a position labeled simply as an “internship.” It offers hands-on experience, skill development, professional networking, and the opportunity to make a meaningful community impact—all while exploring or strengthening career interests.
Hope it helps.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
A volunteer internship is a great way to gain experience, even if it doesn't come with a paycheck or only offers a small stipend. These opportunities are often available at nonprofits, startups, or organizations with tight budgets but big dreams. Unlike regular internships, which can be found at both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, volunteer internships focus more on learning rather than earning.
While both types of internships expect you to be responsible, volunteer internships often offer a chance to learn about many different parts of an organization. This can be exciting, as you get to try out a variety of tasks and develop a wide range of skills. On the other hand, paid internships usually have more structured training and specific goals.
Before you start a volunteer internship, it’s important to ask questions about who will guide you, what training you'll receive, and what projects you’ll work on. This helps ensure you get the most out of your experience. Remember, every internship is a step forward in your learning journey.
While both types of internships expect you to be responsible, volunteer internships often offer a chance to learn about many different parts of an organization. This can be exciting, as you get to try out a variety of tasks and develop a wide range of skills. On the other hand, paid internships usually have more structured training and specific goals.
Before you start a volunteer internship, it’s important to ask questions about who will guide you, what training you'll receive, and what projects you’ll work on. This helps ensure you get the most out of your experience. Remember, every internship is a step forward in your learning journey.