Summer 2026 Daniel C. Smith Philanthropy and Fundraising Internship Program

The Indiana University Foundation is seeking mission-driven, collaborative, and passionate students who are interested in a future career in development, fundraising, and non-profits. We are excited to present you with the opportunity to join the Daniel C. Smith Class of 2026 intern cohort!As an intern with the IU Foundation, you’ll have an interactive opportunity in philanthropy at Indiana University. Our experts will guide you through a hands-on experience within the fundraising process, from how a donor’s gift can transform into life-changing research, scholarships, and other higher education advancements. You’ll be able to see how philanthropic efforts can come to fruition throughout your internship experience with fun, engaging activities both within the community and your cohort. About the Program:This paid, full-time, 12-week internship offers hands-on fundraising experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to one of the nation’s most successful university advancement operations. The Daniel C. Smith Internship program runs from May 11th to July 31st, 2026. As an intern, you will be matched with a “host unit” based on skills and interests, allowing direct supervision and mentorship by a frontline fundraiser at the university. As an intern, you are integrated into your individual host unit teams, working on contributing to live projects such as supporting donor engagement, stewardship, and fundraising strategy, and can network with the IU Foundation’s professional staff and the rest of the intern cohort. Program Highlights:Learning Series on the Fundraising Process: As a cohort, you’ll engage in a structured learning series led by IU Foundation and development leadership. You will learn the IU Way of Fundraising—the people, processes, infrastructure, and strategy that guide the shared approach to fundraising at Indiana University. Networking Opportunities:  Build relationships with development leaders, frontline fundraisers and advancement professionals at IU through the learning experience, unit projects and individual connections. You have the ability to explore the wide array of professional roles in development to see how work gets done at IU and where your professional interest lies. Signature events experience: You will be able to attend signature events and learn about how donor societies operate. Interns attend dean’s advisory meetings, frequently attend development staff meetings, and gain exposure to annual giving, annual fund, stewardship opportunities, and more. Development Scholars Program: Explore the opportunity to extend your internship experience through our program. Our Development Scholars Program offers a continuation of the internship program, where selected interns are offered the opportunity to continue their work in fundraising across IU through a part-time program that offers guaranteed career placement after graduation! Did you know? There is a longstanding history of success with this internship program!This internship program has a strong record of career placement. More than 80% of past interns secure full-time roles in development and fundraising nationwide, reflecting the program’s emphasis on practical experience and professional preparation. Alumni of the program go on to careers in major and principal gifts, annual giving, alumni relations, campaign strategy, and nonprofit advancement leadership across higher education and nonprofit organizations.