2026 Grants and Research Development Intern: Co-op Model

Art and Wellness Enterprises • Bentonville, AR

72d • $13

About The Position

The Grants and Research Development Internship with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is designed to provide hands-on experience in the research, development, and management of institutional and foundation funding opportunities. This position focuses on strengthening the museum’s grant-seeking strategy by supporting activities such as prospect research, proposal writing, funder cultivation, and data-driven reporting. The intern will gain exposure to all phases of the grants and research development process—from identifying potential funders and developing proposals to tracking outcomes and stewarding relationships with granting agencies. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in arts administration, nonprofit management, research strategy, or fundraising analytics. Specific projects may be customized based on the intern’s interests, academic background, and career goals.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate student in Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Policy, Communications, English, Business, Research Methods, or a related field.
• Strong interest in arts, culture, philanthropy, research, and the nonprofit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an eagerness to strengthen professional and academic writing abilities.
• Willingness to learn new tools, systems, and methods related to grants research and development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize information clearly.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with research databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Foundation Directory Online) is a plus but not required.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and shifting priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and communicate with professionalism and respect.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework, volunteer experience, or class projects related to nonprofit management, fundraising, or research.
• Familiarity or interest in budgeting, data organization, or reporting.
• Demonstrated interest in social impact, public service, or arts and wellness initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted research to identify potential funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Analyze funding trends, eligibility criteria, and alignment with museum priorities.
• Maintain and update the grants prospect database and research tracking tools.
• Assist in drafting and editing concept notes, letters of inquiry, and grant proposals.
• Gather and synthesize information from program staff to develop compelling narratives and accurate budgets.
• Support the preparation of supporting materials such as organizational overviews, data reports, and appendices.
• Help prepare briefing materials, correspondence, and reports for funders.
• Assist in coordinating site visits, follow-up communications, and post-award reporting.
• Support internal communications and collaboration among departments involved in grant-funded initiatives.
• Learn about post-award grant administration, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Contribute to grant data collection and performance measurement.
• Support tracking of deadlines, deliverables, and renewal opportunities.
• Gain an overview of the museum’s broader fundraising initiatives, including membership, major gifts, and corporate partnerships.
• Participate in cross-departmental meetings to understand how research and funding intersect with program development and strategic planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Compensation of $13.00 per hour for undergraduate students.
• Hands-on experience in grants and research development.
• Opportunity to customize projects based on intern’s interests and career goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree