Grants Management Intern - Summer 2026

Grants Management Intern - Summer 2026

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 the 100&Change program.

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
• Examine the intersection of grants management and equity issues
• Prepare a presentation on themes identified from research projects
• Support the Grants Management department with other ongoing projects
• Attend team and project meetings; take notes and summarize action items
• Prepare reports and presentations
• Additional administrative tasks as requested

Qualifications

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.

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.