Community Development Intern Jobs in Needham, MA

Intern/Part-time – Development

Mission Statement:

Father Bill’s & MainSpring is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Southern Massachusetts with programs that provide emergency and permanent housing and help people obtain skills, jobs, housing, and services. We help people who are struggling with homelessness or are at risk of homelessness to achieve self-sufficiency.

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is a growing and dynamic social service agency with expertise in emergency and permanent housing, job training and placement, and prevention services for individuals and families in need. Over the next five years, our strategic focus includes an increase in affordable, supportive housing, a more efficient model of care for families experiencing homelessness, commitment to an enhanced delivery model to reduce the need for shelter, and improved community relations to achieve these goals. Our staff are thoughtful and caring individuals who share our passion for these ideals and creative approaches to helping people improve their lives.

Development Intern – Corporate & Foundation Relations

The Development Intern will support Father Bill’s & MainSpring’s fundraising efforts through research, writing, and project support focused on corporate and foundation partners. This role is designed for students looking to gain hands-on, resume-building experience in nonprofit development, fundraising strategy, and grant writing.

Working closely with the Corporate & Foundation Relations Gift Officer, the intern will learn how nonprofits identify funding opportunities, build donor pipelines, and develop proposals that secure critical resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Position Details
This is a paid, part-time internship based at FBMS’ administrative offices on Belmont Street in Brockton. The internship is seasonal, with slightly reduced hours during the summer months and the opportunity to continue through the academic year. Scheduling is flexible and designed to accommodate class commitments. Expected hours are 12–20 per week, depending on office needs.

What You’ll Do

• Research corporations, foundations, andindividualstoidentifypotential funding partners
• Create short, easy-to-read prospect profiles summarizing key insights (giving history, interests, capacity)
• Helpidentifynew funding opportunities aligned with FBMS programs
• Support proposal and report development (drafting sections, formatting, assembling materials)
• Assistwith tracking deadlines andmaintainingorganized records in the donor database
• Participate in team meetings and learn how fundraising strategies are developed
• Support Development Operations with mailings, gift processing, and seasonal support, as needed

• Support special projects and events as needed

What You’ll Learn

• How nonprofit fundraising works, especially corporate and foundation giving
• The basics of grant writing and proposal development
• How to research and evaluate potential donors and funding opportunities
• How donor pipelines and portfolios are built and managed
• Professional skills in writing, research, data organization, and project management

Who This Is For

• Undergraduate or graduate students (or recentgrads) interested in nonprofit work, fundraising, communications, public policy, or business
• Strong writers and researchers who enjoy digging into information and making it clear and useful
• Organized, detail-oriented individuals who can manage multiple tasks
• Students looking for flexible, real-world experience that builds transferable skills
• Anyone interested in making an impact in the community and supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suiteand Outlook
• Must be 18 years of age
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Reliable transportation to allow for opportunities to visit service sites
• Desire to learn new software systems