Fundraising Internship in Malawi

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Gain practical fundraising experience, contributing to impactful initiatives that uplift local communities and foster sustainable development

Learn about the international funding landscape during a fundraising internship with an environmental nonprofit based in Malawi.

During this remote or in-person fundraising internship, you’ll be part of a grassroots program that runs permaculture clubs at schools in rural communities, with the aim of promoting natural land management and enhancing food security. As an intern, you’ll help run online campaigns, write funding proposals, and assist with reporting to funders. You could be writing grant applications, reaching out to potential donors, assessing monitoring and evaluation metrics, creating impact visuals, or setting up online fundraisers – all of which are vital to sustainable success. You can also gain online communication experience by helping manage social media channels and assisting with website management.

This internship is a great opportunity to boost your resume with international work experience, and to contribute to an important cause at the same time.

ORGANIZATION

Malawi Schools Permaculture Clubs (MSPC) is a nonprofit that promotes permaculture principles to children in Malawi. Based in Nkhata Bay, in the north of the country, the organization supports primary school teachers in the area who want to run after-school permaculture clubs. MSPC provides all the relevant training and tools for the teachers, as well as a structured club program for them to follow. This includes a resource pack of weekly lessons and activities, basic equipment needed to run clubs, and infrastructure to support and motivate teachers throughout the year.

The aim of the program is to teach children how to care for and regenerate their natural environment, to value their local resources, and to learn how to produce their own nutritious food. MSPC works with 600 children at over 15 different schools, and has plans of expanding the program to other areas of Malawi.

TASKS & REQUIreMENTS

Depending on your skills, your tasks will include;

Responsibilities

  • Help develop and run online fundraising and individual giving campaigns
  • Research various funding channels & opportunities
  • Complete grant applications and write proposals
  • Assist with donor management & outreach
  • Measure impact and create impact reports & visuals
  • Help develop communication strategies
  • Manage social media
  • Write content for blogs and newsletters
  • If you are based in Malawi: you can get involved with any workshops and activities on the ground

Requirements

  • Strong online communication skills
  • Fluency in English
  • Experience with fundraising would be ideal
  • An ability to work independently and take initiative
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • A passion for MSPC’s mission

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

You’ll stay at a popular backpackers in the northern town of Nkhata Bay. Located on Lake Malawi, with views of palm trees and green-blue water, this lodge has an idyllic location and a relaxed vibe. You’ll enjoy a private beach, beautiful gardens, a lakeside bar, and communal spaces. The rooms are comfortable 6 bed dormitories, although there are options of upgrading to single chalets (at an extra fee). The lodge is a hub for people who are volunteering their time at different communities and environmental projects in the area, so you can expect to share this space with like-minded people.

Safety & Support

Safety & Support

Malawi is considered to be safe for tourists, however, being a developing country with poverty, there is petty crime. Keep your belongings securely stored and close to you, don’t walk alone in the dark, and report any suspicious behavior that you may see to the accommodation/host organization.

Communication

Communication

You’ll be able to use your phone in Malawi with roaming data turned on or a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. Visit Airtel or TNM stands for a SIM and purchase 1000MK ‘Airtime’ (for calls), and a data bundle. Wi-Fi is not an amenity offered in Malawi, so you will need to buy data bundles from a provider for work and personal use.

Meals

Meals

A meal package is included for the first month that suffices for two meals per day (breakfast and lunch/dinner). For the next months you can either book a meal package or eat locally. There is also a small kitchen available for basic cooking. Meals are prepared through Mkana Cafe, the restaurant on-site. The menu includes many international dishes and is also vegetarian-friendly. Make sure to notify us in advance of any allergies/dietary needs.

Location details

Location details

Nkhata Bay is a lively ferry port on the shores of Lake Malawi with a bustling market which is one of the biggest cultural influences on the area. It offers many activities, such as snorkeling, boat/kayak trips, energetic football matches, and beach ventures. Explore Malawi via coach buses and boats, especially the iconic Ilala Ferry, which has been active since 1951.

DATES & RATES

Fee Breakdown

Internship start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with your during the selection process. The organization is open to a remote internship, but preference and priority is given to interns on the ground.

What you’ll pay (2024 rates)

8 WEEKS USD 1,792

12 WEEKS USD 2,144

16 WEEKS USD 2,495

20 WEEKS USD 2,846

26 WEEKS USD 3,372


Remote internship – Placement fee USD 525

Inclusions

  • Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
  • Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
  • 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 dorm room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for availability and prices.
  • Breakfast and dinner daily for the first month
  • Laundry service
  • 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

Exclusions

  • Flights to Lilongwe
  • Transport from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay (approximately 400 km) – we can help you arrange this in advance
  • Transport to the project (not needed daily)
  • Data package for internet connection (for work and personal use)
  • Meals after your first month; 2 meals (breakfast & dinner) are included daily for the initial month. For the remaining duration, you can prepare your own meals or opt to extend the meal package.
  • Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
  • Lunch, drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing).
  • Costs for additional excursions or activities
SCHOLARSHIP & FUNDING

FAQs

Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Malawi.

What can I expect from an internship in Malawi?

You can expect to foster a unique connection with the local community, as well as having many opportunities to explore various projects during your internship. If you wish to know more about what to expect, make sure to read our blog from a previous intern who traveled to Malawi!

How long can I do an internship in Malawi?

The minimum length of our internships in Malawi is two months, but the ideal length is closer to four months, if possible. This ensures you have an adequate amount of time to make a tangible impact. Luckily, the length of our programs is customizable so you can apply for a summer, remote, hybrid, or gap-year internship!

Can I get university credit for an internship in Malawi?

Yes, but you must ensure with your supervisor that your university approves this. You can also purchase transfer credits to add onto your internship experience.

How can I prepare for an internship in Malawi?

Personally, you can prepare by learning about the history and culture of Malawi and reflecting on your internship goals, and we’ll be here to help you with the rest! Ask us any questions you may have about placement logistics, matchmaking, check-ins, advice on visa/insurance, or anything else you may think of. If you wish to know more about preparing for your internship, you can check out our ultimate guide to NGO internships in Africa!

Will I receive a stipend during my Roots internship?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to receive any kind of stipend while interning for a nonprofit organization. Your internship will be unpaid so we’ve put together a few tips on how to fund your internship. There will be opportunities for professional and personal growth and you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable!

QUICK FACTS

LOCATION: Nkhata Bay, Malawi OR Remote
PROGRAM FOCUS: Environmental NGO
TASK FOCUS: Research, Fundraising Campaigns, Proposal Writing, Donor Mgmt, Communications
LENGTH: Min. 8 weeks
COST: From USD 1,792 (in-person) / USD 525 (remote)

REVIEWS

“This internship has exceeded my expectations as I wanted to learn about how a nonprofit functions and acquires funding and financial support and I learned a ton about nonprofit work and the difficulties of it. I wrote two applications for grants, wrote a newsletter that was released to our entire community, helped my supervisors decide on a logo, ran the social media for the summer, etc. The most important thing I learned was about the culture and people of Malawi. I was able to talk to multiple Malawian community members and teachers and club leaders and creating connections with people there meant the most to me because with a virtual internship, I didn't know if I'd be able to connect with the people or learn about the culture. Putting in effort to learn about Malawi was the most rewarding thing for me.”

Julia, United StatesRemote Permaculture Internship
READ MORE REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Gain practical work experience with an international nonprofit organization
  • Enjoy a great variety of tasks in the fundraising and communications fields
  • Gain a thorough understanding of the fundraising landscape
  • Develop your writing and online communications skills
  • Contribute to the long term impact of a worthwhile nonprofit initiative
  • Have the flexibility of working remotely or live and work in Nkhata Bay on the banks of lake Malawi
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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