2026 Summer Internship

Deadline to submit application: January 23th 2026

Summary Description

Our summer internship program has been a part of the foundation for over 40 years. Since its inception, we have worked to provide an enriching and rewarding experience for students of all disciplines with varying career aspirations. The program is designed to introduce students to philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector, and provide them with a rich learning and development experience. Assignments vary by department but generally include administrative, analytical, research and special project support. Students also attend weekly learning sessions, which include meetings with senior foundation staff and opportunities to learn about different career fields, build networking skills and discuss career planning.

Positions will be available in our program (grant making) and operations departments. Operations departments may include our Communications, People & Culture, Facilities, Information Management, Investments and IT teams, to name a few.

The internship program runs for 10 weeks, from Monday, June 1, 2026, through Friday, August 7, 2026. The Ford Foundation uses a hybrid working model: 3 days a week in the office and 2 days a week remote/virtual, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 5PM (35 hour work week).

The deadline to submit your application for our 2026 Summer Internship Program is Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:59pm. We will reach out and interview candidates on a rolling basis.

Please Note That The First Step In Our Recruitment Process Is a Video Interview With The Hiring Manager Of The Specific Team You Will Be Interning With. If Selected As a Finalist In The Process, Candidates Will Need To Provide The Following

• Confirmation that you are receiving need-based financial aid
• Copy of your most current unofficial transcript
• Two professional references including name, phone number and email address (they can be work supervisors, professors or advisors)
  
  

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in college as a full-time rising junior/senior
• Permanent resident of the New York tri-state area (certain areas of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut)
• Receive needs-based financial aid*
• Commit to a full-time schedule for the duration of the program (10 weeks; 35hrs/week)
• Be able to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote per week) for the duration of the internship program
  
  

Qualifications

• We welcome applicants of ALL majors
• Demonstrated leadership and an interest in social justice via coursework or extracurricular activity
• Possess strong computer skills and demonstrated proficiency in the use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint and G-Suite applications including Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills
• Be interested in the work of nonprofit organizations and foundations
• The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Direct Subsidized Loan
• Federal Work-Study
• Source: https://studentaid.gov/complete-aid-process/how-calculated#need-based
  
  

Learn more about our program by visiting our Internship Program page on the Ford Foundation website.

SALARY: This is a competitively paid internship. Interns are paid $38.50 an hour.

BENEFITS: Please note that interns are not eligible for full-time staff benefits. Interns will receive a full summary of benefits on their first day of work during orientation.

WORKING AT FORD

• Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected
• A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network
  
  

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.