Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (www.mesaprogram.org) seeks a Fund Development and Capacity Building intern to deepen existing strategies and develop new fundraising models. Our intern will help cultivate prospective donor connections and strategic partnerships, research foundations and write letters of inquiry (LOIs), identify capacity building grants, seek funding for new program initiatives, and research/cultivate resources for prospective program applicants and current participants. The internship requires a minimum of 16 hours per week (at least one day in office) and five-month commitment.

Background Information:

MESA connects farmers and food justice advocates (aka Stewards) around the world for cross-cultural training programs. Training is based on ecological production practices and innovative marketing models to strengthen sustainable local food systems worldwide. MESA facilitates seasonal programs for Stewards to live and train at farms, education centers, and businesses promoting sustainable and ecological agriculture. Hosts are production farms of various scales, agroecology education centers, urban agriculture programs, and related industries. Stewards who train in the U.S. currently hail from Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka, Thailand, S. Korea, Taiwan, Haiti and France. MESA also facilitates outbound programs hosted by our Steward alumni, offers online agroecology curriculum for program participants, and is working to develop its curriculum for small farms and farm interns everywhere. MESA partners with international NGOs and universities across the globe (aka Global Partners) to connect with steward applicants and provide support services for alumni upon return home.

Until recently, MESA’s main revenue has been derived through services (i.e. earned revenue), with a small number of family foundations, corporate sponsors and individual donors to provide seed grants for program participants, and initial support for online agroecology curriculum. We now seek to increase our fundraising efforts and build capacity to sustain current programs and sieze upon exciting new initiatives.

Internship Description:

The intern will work on their own, and also collaboratively with MESA’s two executive staff, plus support staff and volunteers. This is a great opportunity for an intern to get in-depth experience with the inner workings of a small non-profit and gain skills in fund development, grant writing, coroporate and small business outreach, marketing, and event planning.

After one month, there will be a review with MESA Staff to determine if both sides are content and thriving at the status-quo before proceeding with six-month commitment.

Timeframe:

16 hours/week for 5 months. Required to be in our Berkeley office a minimum of one full day/week. Position open until filled.

Key Responsibilities include:

·Foundation grant research and assisted writing with staff and Board of Directors

·Major donor outreach and cultivation

·Corporate Sponsorship cultivation

Compensation:

Stipend of $400 per month. Reimbursement for program-related travel costs (i.e. donation pick-ups, corp. sponsor/foundation visits, etc.). Additional compensation opportunities may be possible for new funding achievements.

Qualifications:

You adore cross-cultural interaction, and have a keen interest in fund development and nonprofit capacity building. You’re fearless when it comes to raising funds for causes you believe in, and have superb writing skills.You are familiar with diverse fundraising models, including: foundation LOIs and grants, coroporate sponsorships, in-kind donor outreach, fundraiser events, crowdfunding, etc. You’re self-directed, organized, and proficient in Excel, Word and Google Docs. Familiarity with the San Francisco Bay Area, connections in the sustainable food sector, plus previous fundraising experience all highly recommended.

How to apply

To apply please send an email intro or cover letter, plus resume and writing sample. Applications may be submitted immediately. We will close the search when we find the right candidate.

Apply to: Leah Atwood, Director of Programs & Development <leah@mesaprogram.org>