Children at Risk 
Houston, Texas 
Sarah Anne Thompson 
Development Intern
Summer 2015 

CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) is a non-partisan research and advocacy organization dedicated to fixing poor public policies and systems that affect children in order to eliminate the structures which are hindering the success of children. The mission of C@R is to serve as a catalyst for change to improve the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, community education, collaboration and advocacy. The focus of C@R is to make Texas a place where children’s needs come first, where families thrive, and where ample resources are available to children and their families.  

Job Description: 

A  Children at Risk Development Intern assists with essential non-profit grant writing, special events, and donor stewardship projects. For more information on responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits, please visit the Internship Job Description page. For more information on how to apply, please visit the contact page. 

Pay & Benefits:  

  • Unpaid 
  • No room or board provided
  • Will need your own computer. 
  • Will learn about grant writing, special events, donor stewardship, and fundraising. 
  • Will be given independent projects. 
  • Will handle donors independently. 
  • Will make long-lasting decisions.
  • Will actively participate in department related meetings. 
  • Will be required to talk in front of the staff and board members. 
  • Will be required to answer phones. 
  • Will participate in educational site visits to other non-profits 
  • Will have an opportunity to network at summits, debriefs, board meetings, happy hours, and more.
  • Can be on the radio. 
  • Can work in alternate departments and on whatever project interests you. 
  • Occasionally will be provided lunch and dinner. 
  • Can order whatever office supplies you need. 

Skills & Achievements: 

 All summer long I have independently been requesting, receiving, collecting, and acknowledging  all small-corporate donations for our next Accolades Luncheon. I have totaled more than $5,000 in donations. I also participated in planning, and coordinating all event activities.  

I budgeted our Stand Up 2016 gala (a $150,00 fundraiser), created the venue-comparison presentation, assisted in choosing the venue,  and assisted with planning the event. 

I have also assisted on other projects including designing and ordering promotional materials, donor database entry, donor research, Human Trafficking Bus Tours, board meetings, writing letters of interest for grants, writing radio show commentary, hosting the radio show, completing Children at Risk's 2014 tax return, and much more. 

Lastly, I  presented a policy reform I think Children at Risk should support in the future. 

 I learned the most about donor stewardship and donor databases. 

I networked the most with donors,  board members, other non-profit directors, educators,  and event venue personnel. 

I will be more confident in a new work environment post graduation, because of this internship.  

I cannot say enough about the other interns and staff I met at Children at Risk. The corporate culture is supportive and appreciative, and passionate. Children at Risk will challenge you and treat you like a full-time employee, because you are  vital to their success in the near future. 

Pictures

More pics from this summer on Twitter @childrenatrisk