Research Assistant Intern Jobs in Raritan, NJ (NOW HIRING)

INTERNSHIP - Development & Fundraising Intern
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer or Designated PRAB Supervisor Location: East Brunswick, New Jersey, with possible participation at PRAB program sites and community events throughout Middlesex County
Type: Unpaid, educational internship for academic credit or completion of an approved university internship requirement Approximately 12-20 hours per week, based on the student's academic program Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester
Educational Structure: This internship is designed as a supervised learning experience connected to the student's academic and professional development. Interns will receive an individualized learning plan, regular supervision, structured feedback, and opportunities to connect assigned projects to their academic field. Interns will complement, rather than replace, the work of PRAB employees and will not independently perform duties requiring professional licensure, legal judgment, or final organizational authority.
Position Summary
PRAB is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Development & Fundraising Intern to support our growing efforts to secure funding and expand donor engagement. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit development, including grant research, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and the infrastructure that supports long-term financial sustainability.
This is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about nonprofit leadership, social justice, public policy, or philanthropy.
Internship Hours
15-30 hours/week, based on university program requirements and flexible across 2-4 days (between 9:00 am-5:00 pm). Must be available at least two consistent days per week. In-person participation is required.
Key Responsibilities
• Research and document prospective funders, grants, and corporate partners aligned with PRAB's mission
• Maintain and update a funder tracking system (Excel, SharePoint, or Airtable)
• Assist with drafting funding descriptions, inquiry emails, and stewardship communications
• Assist with supervised planning, research, content development, and evaluation related to donor-engagement initiatives.
• Interns will not independently solicit donations, submit grant applications, make commitments to funders, or communicate on behalf of PRAB without prior approval.
• Conduct background research to inform grant applications and sponsorship pitches
• Collaborate with the CEO or Development Liaison (if appointed) to strengthen PRAB's case for support
Internship Requirements
Selected interns must comply with PRAB's confidentiality, technology, nondiscrimination, professional conduct, records-management, and safety requirements. Depending on the placement and level of
client contact, completion of a background check, confidentiality agreement, mandated reporter training, or other program-specific onboarding may be required.
Sample Project Opportunities
• Build a comprehensive funder landscape matrix to support annual grant strategy
• Develop a donor stewardship toolkit with thank-you templates, outreach ideas, and calendar prompts
• Create a pitch deck or proposal brief for a mini campaign aligned with PRAB's impact areas (e.g., early childhood, housing, arts, civic engagement)
Ideal Candidate
• Student pursuing a degree or approved academic program
• Strong written communication and research skills
• Comfortable with spreadsheets, databases, and detail-oriented work
• Passionate about racial, economic, or housing justice
• Experience with Google Sheets, Airtable, Excel, or grant platforms is a plus
What You'll Gain
• Real-world experience supporting nonprofit fundraising and strategy
• Participate in weekly supervision, project review, and professional-development discussions with the assigned PRAB supervisor.
• Exposure to high-level leadership and institutional advancement work
• Supervision and coaching from PRAB executive leadership and staff involved in resource development.
• Internship credit (if applicable)
• Eligibility for verification of completed hours, a final performance evaluation, and consideration for a letter of recommendation based on successful completion and performance.
• Opportunities to develop approved, nonconfidential writing samples and project materials for a professional portfolio.
Optional Capstone Project Ideas for this Role
Based on the intern's academic requirements, interests, and the needs of the organization, the internship may include completion of a supervised capstone project such as:
1. Funder Landscape and Opportunity Matrix identifying foundations, corporations, public funding sources, and other prospects aligned with PRAB's programs, geographic reach, and funding priorities.
2. Donor Stewardship and Engagement Toolkit containing acknowledgment templates, donor communication ideas, engagement milestones, and a proposed annual stewardship calendar.
3. Case for Support or Campaign Brief presenting the need, program impact, funding opportunity, audience, proposed messaging, and engagement strategy for a selected PRAB initiative.
4. Grant Readiness Assessment reviewing a selected program's available outcomes, participant information, budget materials, partnerships, and supporting documentation and identifying areas that should be strengthened before future applications.
Participation does not create an expectation or guarantee of paid employment with PRAB at the conclusion of the internship.