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FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

Supported Summer Internships for Nonprofit Organizations

Apply for a grant to cover the cost of two
First Generation College Student Summer Interns

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About the Program

Origami Works Foundation is connecting with Chicago area nonprofit organizations that are enthusiastic about providing a meaningful internship experience for First Generation College Students and that may lack the financial means to offer a paid opportunity for interns.

 

If your organization is selected, you can interview intern candidates and choose two bright, engaged college students to support your mission for 10 weeks this summer. Salaries and payroll taxes to be covered by a grant from Origami Works Foundation

Your hosted summer interns will be supported financially as well as developmentally, with  programming provided by both the foundation as well as our partners at The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The CAFÉ) designed to develop professional skills and facilitate networking.

 

We look forward to hearing about your organization's summer goals, and how our enthusiastic and professional college interns can benefit your team.

Questions? Contact Ann Brownell

Benefits to your Organization

  • Complete needed tasks and projects, without paying salaries or payroll taxes  

  • Expose diverse pipeline of candidates to nonprofit work 

  • Contribute to career development for first generation college students in Chicagoland 

  • Professional development programming, networking, and social events provided 

TIMELINE

Important 2023 Dates

  • Feb 10       Deadline for grant applications

  • Feb 17       Grantees selected and informed 

  • Feb 22       Virtual open house for host organizations  

  • Mar 1        Internship job descriptions finalized with Grantees

  • Mar 2        Students begin applying directly to Grantee nonprofit organizations

  • Mar/Apr   Grantees conduct interviews with candidates

  • May 1        Deadline for final hiring decisions 

  • Jun 5          Internships begin*

  • Aug 11       Internships end*

  • August      Grantees participate in post-internship feedback with OWF

* Beginning and ending dates for summer internships can be flexible based on the interns' college schedule and your organization's needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What organizations are eligible for this program?
Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations in the city of Chicago.

When is the application deadline? Applications are due February 10, 2023. Click here to complete your application.

Who are the interns and what are their qualifications?
Interns are rising sophomores who are first generation college students, meaning they are the first in their families to attend college. They are talented and ready to put their skills to work for you! They will receive 5 or more hours per week of professional and personal development programming to aid them in adapting to and thriving in your workplace environment.

Can I host a single intern?
We have found that these internships work best when at least two interns are placed at a site.

Can I have a say in selecting my interns?

Yes. We will steer qualified interns to your opportunities. You can also advertise the internship openings. You can use whatever application and selection process you prefer to interview and select interns. Interns will be free to accept or reject offers. If you are unable to match with two interns, your grant will not be awarded.

Are internships expected to be on-site or virtual?

On-site is preferred if circumstances permit, but virtual internships have been shown to be effective also, and may reflect a new working normal. If on-site internships are possible and you require your interns be on-site, you should follow all recommended safety protocols.
 

What type of support will I receive to host my interns?
Origami Works Foundation will provide a grant to cover salary and payroll taxes for the interns. OWF will also provide professional development, networking, and social events for the interns.

Additional questions? Contact Ann Brownell

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