Fundraising and Marketing Internship in South Africa

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

UNLEASH YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND CONTRIBUTE TO AN ORGANIZATION THAT EMPOWERS CHILDREN TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES THROUGH DANCE!

Embark on this Fundraising and Marketing Internship to join a passionate team at a rapidly developing nonprofit organization based in Cape Town, South Africa. This organization uses dance as a tool for equipping children in townships with purpose, confidence, and a positive outlet for their creativity. As a remote intern, you’ll have the opportunity to help develop the organization’s marketing and fundraising strategies, while having the flexibility of working from home. 

Your main responsibility will be to help spread awareness about this program in a number of ways; depending on your skills and interests, you’ll be involved in fundraising activities, stakeholder management, crafting blog content, managing social media channels, or even developing and managing backend systems. You’ll have the chance to gain a wealth of remote work experience and develop a broad range of communications skills. 

Note: You’re more than welcome to head to Cape Town for your internship to meet the team members based in South Africa and attend the weekly dance classes. The organization does not have an office so you’d still be working remotely, but you’d have the chance to engage with the dance students and gather content in the field. Please contact us for more information on this option.

Learning Outcomes

  • Practical work experience in fundraising, communications, digital marketing, social media management, and creative writing
  • An understanding of the nonprofit sector and its needs
  • Create a portfolio of published blogs while gaining international work experience
  • Experience in working on a strategic level within a grassroots organization

ORGANIZATION

You’ll be part of a nonprofit organization that teaches dance to children from underprivileged communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Their goal is to, through the medium of dance, instill a self-belief and sense of purpose in children who grow up in poverty. Through regular dance classes, the NGO equips kids with the confidence and life skills to move beyond what they previously may not have believed was possible.

Apart from teaching dance classes, and organizing showcase performances for the children, the organization also runs a life skills program that teaches kids about issues such as personal health care, conflict management, leadership, positive thinking, and critical thinking. Their goal is to provide kids with strong communication skills and the right amount of assertiveness to successfully pursue their dreams.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

As a Marketing and Fundraising intern with this NGO, you’ll be an essential part of a small but fast-growing organization. Your exact role will be tailored depending on your knowledge and experience, so you’ll be able to use your skills effectively and reach your internship learning goals.

Responsibilities

Depending on your skills, your tasks will include:

  • Writing blog content and assisting with website management
  • Writing newsletters, grant applications, and other funding proposals
  • Managing and developing social media channels
  • Helping run digital fundraising and email marketing campaigns
  • Doing fundraising research and helping develop a fundraising strategy
  • Assisting with developing and managing backend systems

Requirements

  • Strong communication & organizational skills
  • Excellent English writing skills
  • Ideally some experience in digital marketing and/or fundraising
  • An interest in social media
  • A willingness to learn & a flexible attitude
  • A passion for the work this organization does
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative with creative ideas

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

As an intern in Cape Town, you’ll have the choice between three different accommodations. With dorm and single room options, you can opt for the lodging option that meets your needs and budget. All locations include Wifi, linens & towels, communal areas, shared facilities, 24/7 security, laundry services, and housekeeping.  Each option is conveniently located to be walking distance from various shops, cafes, restaurants, and some of the touristy highlights Cape Town has to offer as well. You’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of travelers, including students & backpackers, and explore the wonders of the city – while being based in the heart of it all.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. During your placement, you’ll have access to the Roots team remotely, along with your internship supervisor on the ground.

South Africa does have high crime rates, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Safety recommendations include: do not walk anywhere alone and do not walk anywhere at night – it’s better to Uber, no matter the distance, even if you are in a group. Upon arrival, ask your accommodation about the safe/dangerous areas & streets that are nearby. Keep your belongings close to you (avoid using handbags), always keep an eye on your drinks when out socializing, don’t walk around with large sums of cash (you can pay for everything with a card), minimize wearing flashy accessories, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers. Take extra precautions at night by staying in a group and always taking an Uber once the sun goes down.

Communication

Communication

Your accommodation will include free Wifi to keep family and friends up to date via WhatsApp, Zoom, etc. Most cafes/restaurants also offer free Wifi for remote work days and staying online. You can also consider getting a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked for international carrier, or setting your phone’s status to roaming (be aware of high charges for this option).

Meals

Meals

Meals are NOT included at the accommodation options in Cape Town. The kitchen facilities vary at each location and details will be provided during the application process. With a variety of international cuisine options available in the area and throughout Cape Town, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes to try out.

Location details

Location details

Discover Cape Town’s attractions: Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, city tours, historical sites, and the Cape Point Peninsula. There are also opportunities to surf, kayak, paraglide, cage dive with sharks, and more! Cape Town has a mediterranean climate with cool winters and hot summers so be sure to check what the temperature will be like during your stay.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed during the selection process.

What you’ll pay (2025 rates)

8 weeks USD 1,925

12 weeks USD 2,444

16 weeks USD 2,962

20 weeks USD 3,481

24 weeks USD 3,999


Remote internship: USD 595

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking to ensure a suitable internship placement
  • Initial interview to assess skills, interests, and learning objectives
  • An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
  • Accommodation in a mixed-gender dorm room (up to 6 pax). If you prefer a smaller dorm size, female-only dorm, or single room – please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • Wifi access
  • Housekeeping service
  • Assistance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
  • An orientation program with your supervisor
  • Supervision and support during your stay
  • Regular check-ins during your internship with your supervisor
  • Troubleshooting if needed
  • A reference letter at the end of your internship
  • A discount on weekend activities, exclusive to Roots Interns

Exclusions

  • Flights to Cape Town 
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Meals
  • Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
  • Transport costs to Gugulethu, where the workshops take place
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in South Africa.

What can I expect from a NGO internship in South Africa?

During your internship in South Africa you can expect to meet people from around the world, as well as indulging yourself into the culture of this beautiful country! If you want to know more about what to expect, make sure to check out our top 7 reasons for an internship in Cape Town.

Will I have time to explore South Africa during my internship?

Yes! We partner with various activity organizers that can offer discounts exclusive to Roots Interns, for example, a road trip through the Garden Route and bungee jumping off the world’s largest natural bungee. You may also explore the country on your own and we are happy to give recommendations.

Am I able to do an internship while on a study program in Cape Town?

Yes! You are able to do a part-time internship with certain organizations so that you can continue your studies, while also gaining valuable work experience.

Will I receive a stipend of any kind during my internship with Roots?

Unfortunately, no. When working with a nonprofit organization, your internship will be unpaid, but there are many ways to fund your internship. Your experience will bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for both professional and personal growth that are invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Cape Town, South Africa OR Remote
PROJECT FOCUS: Dance NGO
TASK FOCUS: Strategy, Digital Marketing, Fundraising, Monitoring
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 595 (remote) / USD 1,925 (in-person)

REVIEWS

“I wrote my bachelor thesis on fundraising communication strategies for the German market in order to help Move for Two expand its pool of monthly donors internationally. I learned a lot about fundraising marketing and am so happy that I was able to broaden my horizon. Move for Two was always extremely supportive and encouraging, making my bachelor thesis pleasant and fun. I look forward to staying in contact with them and help implement new ideas wherever I can.”

Merle, GermanyMarketing & Fundraising Internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain experience in digital marketing and fundraising
  • Get a thorough understanding of the nonprofit sector
  • Be part of the overall strategy and development of a fast-growing nonprofit
  • Enjoy hugely varied tasks, and plenty of responsibilities
  • Enjoy the flexibility of working from home, while gaining international work experience
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW

HOW TO APPLY

If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:

APPLY

Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.

GET STARTED

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.

INTERNSHIP MATCHING

If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.

PAYMENT

If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.

CONFIRMATION

Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.

NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?

Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!

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