Position: Grants Management Intern - Summer 2026
Reports To: Director, Grants Management
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Duration: June 9 – August 12, 2026
Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
About the Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. We work on a few big bets that strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change, the challenges of criminal justice reform, revitalizing local news in the U.S., and corruption in Nigeria.
In addition, we maintain enduring commitments in our hometown Chicago, where we invest in people, places, and partnerships to build a more inclusive Chicago and in journalism and media, where we invest in more just and inclusive news and narratives.
We also make awards to extraordinarily creative individuals through the MacArthur Fellows program and for solutions to critical problems of our time through 100&Change. For more information, please visit our website at www.macfound.org.
About Grants Management
The Grants Management department partners with all the Foundation’s program teams to maximize the impact of MacArthur’s grantmaking. Grants Management works to ensure effective and equitable grant processes, advises on best grantmaking practices in alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values, and manages grantmaking data in support of a learning culture and improved grantmaking operations.
About the Internship
Conduct literature reviews/desk research on various grants management topics (e.g., improving grant practices, equity in grantmaking processes, analyzing grant process data, best practices in conducting organization financial reviews)
Examine the intersection of grants management and equity issues; identify opportunities for MacArthur to align its values and its practice
Prepare a presentation on themes identified from research projects
Depending on time available, support the Grants Management department with other ongoing projects (e.g., review good practices on feedback loops and applicant feedback surveys in philanthropic settings or review and improve externally facing materials available through the portal for applicants and grantees)
Attend team and project meetings; take notes and summarize action items
Prepare reports and presentations
Additional administrative tasks as requested
Qualifications
Undergraduate or graduate student
An interest in philanthropy, healthy civil society development, and social change
Tech-savvy individual trained in a range of academic and practical research techniques
Strong analytical skills
Self-motivated and results-oriented individual with strong written or verbal communication skills
Able to influence and effectively manage multiple projects
This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process:
The application deadline is SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2025 AT 11:59 PM CST. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “must be returning back to school” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website (www.macfound.org/jobs).
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.