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
About the Program
For the fifth year in a row, Origami Works Foundation is connecting Chicago area nonprofit organizations with First Generation College Students by covering costs of payroll and professional development for a 10 week summer internship. These supported internships provide college students the opportunity to contribute to and gain experience working in the nonprofit space at no additional cost to the organization.
If your organization is selected, you will interview intern candidates and choose two bright, engaged college students to support your mission for 10 weeks this summer. Salaries and payroll taxes are 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.
Sound like a good fit? Click the Apply Now button below. We look forward to hearing about your organization's summer goals, and how engaging with enthusiastic and professional college interns can benefit your team.
Questions? Contact Tami Hillberry at tami@origamiworks.org
Benefits to your Organization
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Complete needed tasks and projects, without paying salaries or payroll taxes
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Expose diverse pipeline of candidates to nonprofit work
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Contribute to career development for first generation college students in Chicagoland
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Professional development programming, networking, and social events provided
TIMELINE
Important 2025 Dates
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Feb 24 Deadline for grant applications
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Mar 3 Grantees selected and informed
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Mar 10 Internship job descriptions finalized with Grantees
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Mar 11 Students begin applying directly to Grantee nonprofit organizations
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Mar/Apr Grantees conduct interviews with candidates
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May 5 Deadline for final hiring decisions
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Jun 2 Internships begin*
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Aug 8 Internships end*
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August Grantees participate in post-internship feedback with Origami Works
* 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 Monday, February 24th. Click here to complete your application.
What is a First Generation College Student?
First generation college students are the first in their families to attend college and/or whose parents may have attended some college but did not achieve a college degree. 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?
No. 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 advertise your opportunity across our network, however we expect that you will use whatever application and selection process you prefer to interview and select interns, as this will be a part of the experiential learning process for the students. 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 Tami Hillberry at tami@origamiworks.org