WWF Overview

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in nearly 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – nearly one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.

At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible, bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration.

BRIDGE is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway.

Position Summary

WWF seeks a BRIDGE Philanthropic Partnerships Graduate Intern.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn how professional foundation fundraising supports WWF’s conservation priorities. The intern will gain exposure to the full lifecycle of foundation engagement, from prospect research and cultivation to proposal development and grant stewardship, while contributing meaningful research and analysis that helps WWF meet its annual fundraising goals. The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn how philanthropy fuels large-scale conservation impact.

Internship Description:

The Philanthropic Partnerships Intern will have the opportunity to work closely with WWF-US’ Philanthropic Partnerships team to gain hands-on experience in fundraising and donor stewardship. Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research on past, current, and prospective foundation donors to support strategic fundraising efforts.

• Developing, updating, and refining donor and prospect briefing memos, incorporating recent giving history, interests, and alignment with WWF priorities.

• Assisting Philanthropic Partnerships staff to translate technical information into donor-facing materials.

• Participating in internal meetings, trainings, and cross-team discussions, as appropriate.

• Supporting additional projects and administrative tasks as assigned, based on team needs and intern interests.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in environmental studies, international development, nonprofit management, or public policy. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 1, 2026).

• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.

• Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.

• Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.

• Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.

• Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

• Interest in fundraising in support of global conservation, sustainability, and environmental policy.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and responsive.

• Strong attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:

• Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods.

• Previous experience or coursework related to fundraising, grant writing, philanthropy, or nonprofit development.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the Philanthropic Partnerships Intern will have gained:

• Donor prospecting and research skills, including experience with common prospecting tools.

• Understanding of best practices in foundation fundraising and relationship management.

• Hands-on experience with grant stewardship processes, including grant report editing.

• Increased knowledge of WWF’s organizational structure, conservation programs, and global network.

WWF interns will be offered a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes:

• Development discussions with their manager;

• Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program;

• Speed mentoring with different WWF teams;

• Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff;

• Session on resume and interviewing best practices.

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s staff and leadership team.

Location:

US-DC-Washington

**This is a hybrid position that requires the intern to be in the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office a minimum of 2 days per week.**

Compensation:

Paid - $23 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 1 to August 7, 2026

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe:

• Your relevant skills and interest for this position

• Your connection to nature and the environment

• How you could contribute to the field of conservation.

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.

This job will be posted and open for applications until Monday, March 16 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.