Grants & Fundraising Intern

Department: Public Affairs
Organization: Second Life e.V.
Location: Fully Remote
Time Commitment: Up to 15 hours/week
Compensation: Unpaid

About Second Life

Second Life is a Germany-based environmental NGO using drone technology and AI to detect, analyze, and reduce plastic pollution in coastal and marine ecosystems. Through innovation, research, and public engagement, we support data-driven environmental action and long-term sustainability.

The Public Affairs Department focuses on partnerships, visibility, and resource development to ensure the continuity and growth of Second Life’s mission.

Role Overview

As a Grants & Fundraising Intern, you will support Second Life’s funding and resource development efforts by assisting with grant research, proposal preparation, and fundraising activities.

This is a learning-oriented, hands-on role designed for students or early-career professionals interested in nonprofit work, sustainability, public affairs, or fundraising. You will work closely with the Grants & Fundraising Team Lead and Public Affairs leadership, gaining practical experience in how mission-driven organizations secure funding and partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Grant Research & Support

• Research grant opportunities, foundations, and funding programs aligned with Second Life’s mission
• Support the preparation of grant applications, letters of inquiry, and required documentation
• Assist with organizing grant-related materials, deadlines, and reporting requirements

Fundraising & Donor Support

• Assist with online fundraising initiatives, donor outreach activities, or campaigns
• Support the creation of basic donor materials, summaries, and impact descriptions
• Help collect data, stories, or results that demonstrate project impact

Coordination & Administration

• Support internal coordination between Public Affairs, Communications, and program teams
• Help maintain simple tracking documents (deadlines, submissions, follow-ups)
• Participate in team meetings and provide updates on assigned tasks

Qualifications

• Interest in nonprofit work, sustainability, public affairs, or fundraising
• Strong written communication and research skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable
• Comfortable working independently with guidance and feedback
• Willingness to learn and ask questions
• Alignment with Second Life’s mission and values

Previous experience in grants or fundraising is not required — this role is designed as an internship and learning opportunity.

Time Commitment

• Up to 15 hours per week, flexible scheduling
• Minimum 3-month commitment preferred (with possibility to extend)
• Up to 1–2 virtual meetings per week, depending on project phase

What We Offer

• Practical experience in grants and fundraising within an international environmental NGO
• Mentorship and exposure to real funding processes and nonprofit strategy
• Insight into sustainability-focused public affairs and partnerships
• Remote-first, flexible collaboration
• A supportive, mission-driven, multidisciplinary team
• Reference letter upon successful completion of the internship