Grants Writing Intern

Company: DK Initiative

Grant Writing Intern (Remote)
Organization: Dipendra Kandel Initiative (DKI)
Location: Remote (Global)
Application Type: Rolling Applications
About the Opportunity
The Dipendra Kandel Initiative (DKI) is inviting applications for the position of Grant Writing Intern from motivated students, graduates, researchers, and professionals worldwide. This internship is designed for individuals who are passionate about international development, governance, public policy, research, democracy, sustainable development, and proposal writing. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in grant research, donor intelligence, proposal development, and resource mobilization while contributing to meaningful initiatives that create positive social impact.
As a Grant Writing Intern, you will work remotely with an international team, developing professional skills that are highly valued across the non-profit, public, academic, and international development sectors.
About DKI
The Dipendra Kandel Initiative (DKI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening democratic governance, promoting knowledge sharing, empowering public institutions, and advancing sustainable development through research, international collaboration, and evidence-based initiatives.
Our work spans both global and local programmes, creating opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and contribute to initiatives that address real-world development challenges.
Your Role
As a Grant Writing Intern, you will support the development of funding proposals for a diverse portfolio of DKI's global and local initiatives.
Working alongside the DKI team, you will identify funding opportunities, conduct donor research, prepare grant proposals, and contribute to project development and resource mobilization efforts. Depending on organizational priorities and funding opportunities, interns may be involved in a variety of ongoing and emerging projects.
This internship offers valuable exposure to the complete grant development process—from donor identification and funding intelligence to proposal preparation and project design.
Internship Pathways
🎓 Academic Internship (Unpaid)
This pathway is designed for undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and recent graduates seeking academic credit, internship experience, research exposure, or career development.
The Academic Internship is unpaid and focuses on practical learning, mentoring, professional development, and building real-world grant writing experience.
💼 Professional Voluntary Internship (Stipend Available)
This pathway is designed for professionals who already have full-time or part-time employment but would like to contribute their expertise to meaningful development initiatives during their available time.
Depending on project availability, performance, and contribution, selected Professional Voluntary Interns may receive a stipend. This flexible pathway enables professionals to strengthen their grant writing expertise while contributing to projects with local and global impact.
💰 Professional Grant Writer (Paid)
DKI also welcomes applications from experienced grant writers with a proven ability to develop successful grant proposals and funding applications.
Professional Grant Writers will work with DKI on a paid basis, supporting the preparation of high-quality grant proposals, donor engagement, funding strategies, and resource mobilization initiatives. Engagement may be project-based, contract-based, or assignment-based, depending on organizational needs and funding opportunities.
Compensation will be determined based on the scope of work, experience, qualifications, and the complexity of each assignment.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from students, graduates, researchers, and professionals with excellent research, analytical, and writing skills. Applicants from the following academic backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply:
Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Governance, Economics, Political Economy, Business Administration, Management, Sociology, Law, Human Rights, English, Journalism, Communication, Professional Writing, Statistics, Research Methods, Data Analytics, International Development, or other related disciplines.
Ideal candidates should have:
Strong research and analytical abilities
Excellent written English and communication skills
Interest in grant writing, fundraising, and donor engagement
Ability to interpret research, policy, and development documents
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently in a remote environment
Commitment to producing high-quality work
Previous grant writing experience is welcome but not required. Individuals who are eager to learn and develop professionally are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
As a Grant Writing Intern, you will:
Research funding opportunities from governments, international organizations, foundations, philanthropic institutions, and development partners.
Conduct donor mapping and funding intelligence research.
Assist in preparing grant proposals, concept notes, expressions of interest, and funding applications.
Support the development of project narratives, objectives, logical frameworks, and supporting documentation.
Conduct background research to strengthen funding proposals.
Maintain grant opportunity databases and application tracking systems.
Monitor donor priorities, eligibility criteria, and funding deadlines.
Collaborate with the DKI team on proposal development and resource mobilization activities.
What You Will Gain
This internship provides practical, real-world experience in international grant writing and proposal development while allowing you to contribute to initiatives with meaningful public impact.
Successful interns will gain:
Practical experience in grant writing and proposal development
Exposure to international donor funding systems
Experience in donor research and funding intelligence
Improved research, analytical, and professional writing skills
Mentorship from experienced professionals
Experience working with an international remote team
A Certificate of Internship upon successful completion
Enhanced career prospects in NGOs, INGOs, government institutions, international organizations, academia, consulting, and the development sector
Application Process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an introductory meeting where the internship structure, programme priorities, grant writing responsibilities, expectations, mentoring process, and working arrangements will be discussed in detail.
Specific grant writing assignments and programme areas will be explained during this meeting to ensure applicants have a clear understanding of the role before commencing the internship.
How to Apply
Please submit:
Your updated CV/Resume
A brief Statement of Interest explaining why you would like to join DKI as a Grant Writing Intern
📧 Email: secretariat@dk-initiative.org
Early applications are encouraged, as suitable candidates may be selected before the closing of the application period.
Join DKI and help transform innovative ideas into funded initiatives that strengthen institutions, empower communities, and advance sustainable development through impactful grant writing and research.
🌐 Website: www.dk-initiative.org

apply