Development Intern Position

About Building Bridges Across the River

Building Bridges Across the River is a nonprofit organization based in Southeast Washington, DC, dedicated to advancing equitable access to opportunity for communities east of the Anacostia River. For more than 20 years, we have worked alongside residents, partners, and local leaders to create spaces, programs, and partnerships that strengthen neighborhoods and expand pathways to success.

Our work is rooted in three core pillars: Arts & Culture, Economic Opportunity, and Health & Wellness. We believe that thriving communities require investment across all three.

Stipend: $1,000/month or Eligible for academic credit

Building Bridges leads five interconnected initiatives:

• THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) — a 16-acre campus that brings together more than a dozen nonprofit partners providing education, workforce development, health services, and arts programming in one shared space.

• THEARC Theater — a professional performance venue that uplifts local artists and expands access to high-quality arts experiences east of the river.

• Building Bridges Farms — a network of urban farms increasing fresh food access, workforce training, and food education across Southeast DC.

• Skyland Workforce Center — a hub connecting residents to career pathways, job training, and economic mobility opportunities.

• 11th Street Bridge Park — an innovative project that will transform the former 11th Street Bridge into an elevated public park designed to reconnect neighborhoods and prevent displacement through an equitable development strategy.

Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to long-term, community-centered change. We partner with residents, artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and institutions to ensure that families east of the Anacostia River have access to opportunity, resources, and spaces that allow them to thrive.

Position Overview

The Development Intern will be housed within the Development Department and will report directly to the Development Coordinator. This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, event planning, research, and organizational systems building.

Key Responsibilities

1. Digital Archiving & Institutional History

• Support the creation of a comprehensive, structured, and searchable digital archiving system that houses historical documents, photos, event materials, and reports

2. 2026 Gala Planning & Event Support

• Work closely with the Development Coordinator to support planning for the 2026 Annual Gala

• Assist with sponsorship tracking, outreach preparation, and materials organization

• Support event logistics, timelines, and internal coordination

• Contribute to creative brainstorming and donor engagement strategies

3. Research & Donor Diversification

• Conduct research on BIPOC philanthropy and strategies to expand and diversify.• Analyze trends in inclusive fundraising and equitable donor engagement

• Develop a summary report with recommendations for implementation, including potential individual, corporate, and foundation prospect

Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student

• Interest in nonprofit development, philanthropy, fundraising, social impact, or community development

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Comfortable working with digital systems and spreadsheets

• Strong research and writing skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines

• Interest in equity-centered philanthropy and community-driven work

Benefits

• Direct mentorship from the Development Coordinator

• Exposure to nonprofit fundraising strategy and donor stewardship

• Experience supporting a large-scale fundraising event

• Hands-on experience in donor database management

• Insight into equity-focused fundraising and BIPOC philanthropy strategies

• A tangible portfolio project in digital archiving and research