"Indiana University Foundation (IUF) proudly supported the continuous growth, education, and development of students during the pandemic by offering a comprehensive internship program aimed at providing meaningful, challenging, and engaging experiences that prepared students for a career in the field of philanthropy.
In a year where internship experiences, study aboard programs, and job offers were rescinded for students due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, the Daniel C. Smith Philanthropy and Fundraising Internship Program enabled 15 students to complete a full-time, fully paid, virtual, immersive, and comprehensive 12-week internship program. In the first of its kind, IUF created 12 weeks of virtual curriculum, which included opportunities for mentorship, networking, leadership, and programming, all designed to immerse students in the world of philanthropy.
Students participated in a five-part learning series led by philanthropy leaders and experts at IU and IUF, a book club focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership, a case competition where they recommended solutions for real-life business scenarios facing the IU Foundation, and completed a 12-week capstone project alongside a school/unit on IU's campuses. In addition, interns participated in IUF's board of directors meetings, networking with key constituents of the university.
IUF's commitment to students runs deep. Being able to support 15 students at a time when opportunities were being taken away, social justice issues were in the spotlight, and engagement was lower than ever was transformational to our commitment and loyalty to our students and the university."
From the Judges
This program is a distinctive way to build lifelong relationships with students while providing them with invaluable professional experience.
