Fundraising and Development Intern - Spring 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Development Intern enables ClimateHaven to build new and more effective ways to help startup founders create technology solutions for the climate crisis. We seek an organized, highly motivated person with excellent communication skills to join our dynamic team. This internship is ideal for someone interested in climate solutions and innovation who wants to build experience and a track record of raising funds. The successful candidate will assist in identifying funding opportunities, prioritizing those that fit ClimateHaven’s fundraising strategy, synthesizing our programmatic objectives, and writing clear and compelling grant applications to support our work helping startups build scalable climate solutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

• Research and identify potential sources of funding through online foundation databases and other sources
• Co-develop and implement our grant writing strategy
• Translate ClimateHaven’s programmatic goals and expenses into clear plans and budgets
• Write grant drafts, seek feedback, revise and submit to funders
• Manage and improve our grant tracking systems, e.g., our Airtable fundraising database

Partnership Development & Engagement

• Source new mission-aligned partners (e.g., local businesses, service providers, funders) who can support ClimateHaven’s work
• Co-develop branded materials that highlight partnerships and their impact
• Manage and nurture relationships with existing resource partners to ensure meaningful engagement and visibility
• Identify creative ways to involve partners in programming, events, and startup support
• Maintain a partner contact list and track interactions using Airtable.

The role reports to ClimateHaven’s President. This role will be part-time ranging 10-20 hours a week; compensated at $20/hour. The position is primarily in-person, with some flexibility for meetings to happen remotely. 

THE RIGHT PERSON

You are a motivated, high-energy, creative problem solver with high standards for quality and an interest in innovative solutions and climate technology. We are open to candidates from a variety of backgrounds and welcome applications from recent graduates, career-changers, students, and early-career professionals. The right candidate has the following attributes and skills:

1. Passion for Climate & Innovation: Demonstrated interest in climate tech, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. A background with business skills training and/or environment/science is preferred but not require
2. Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication. You enjoy writing clearly and creatively across formats and audiences
3. Prioritization Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize efficiently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
4. Technical Tools: Familiarity with Airtable, and with foundation research, are helpful
5. Self-Starter Mentality: Ability to take initiative, solve problems independently, and follow through reliably
6. Team Player: Eager to collaborate, receive feedback, and pitch in on all the little things that make big things happen
7. Dedication to diversity and accessibility within the ClimateHaven community
8. A sense of humor and a willingness to take feedback from startup members, partners, and investors to improve our service routinely, and to make participation in the ClimateHaven community a source of inspiration, value, and even joy. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume, statement of interest, and examples of previous work via our application form. Your own voice is important to us. Please refrain from the use of AI in drafting your application materials.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The deadline for consideration is December 18th. The tentative start date for the position is early-to-mid January. 

CLIMATEHAVEN

ClimateHaven is a platform for startups building breakthrough solutions in energy and climate resilience. Our incubator provides access to prototyping, lab, and workspace as well as tailored programming and a community of fellow founders. We provide sector-specific guidance and hands-on support to help startups build, connecting members with our extensive network of experienced founders, operators, advisors, and business mentors. When startups are ready, we connect them with industry partners, strategic investors, and venture capital.