Working with Local Schools and Colleges

How are we getting the next generation of nonprofit leaders ready?

This article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review was really insightful and interesting; providing new opportunities for board leadership, especially for college students, is a pretty smart ida. Unfortunately, not all of us live in areas where we have access to universities that have such structured programs. What can the smaller nonprofit do?

As small nonprofit leaders, we often face the challenge of needing more help than they have resources to pay for. Yet, there are still creative and practical ways for small nonprofits to find fellows, interns, and volunteers—especially by reaching out to community colleges, local universities, and even high schools.

Community colleges can be an excellent source of talent and energy. Many students at these schools are looking for real-world experience to build their resumes and explore career options. By creating internships or fellowships, even if they are unpaid or offer only a small stipend, your nonprofit can attract students who want to make a difference and gain valuable skills. These students can help with everything from marketing and social media to event planning and program development, depending on your organization’s needs and their interests.

To start, reach out to the career services or community engagement offices at your local community colleges. These departments often have programs designed to connect students with nonprofits and community organizations. Explain what your organization does, what kind of help you need, and what students could learn by working with you. Be specific about the projects or roles you have available, and make sure you are ready to provide some basic training and supervision. Students are more likely to apply if they know they will get meaningful experience and support, not just busywork.

Another way to find fellows is to look for established fellowship or internship programs run by local foundations, universities, or public agencies. For example, programs like the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship or the Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship place recent college graduates or current students in local nonprofits for full-time, paid work experiences. Many times, these organizations are more than willing to help more rural areas that are close to these areas. These local foundations understand that rural communities have needs that the philanthropic sector can help fill.

These programs often cover the stipend or salary for the fellow, which means your organization gets extra help without the financial burden. Check with local foundations, city government, or your state’s nonprofit association to see if similar programs exist in your area.

If formal fellowships are not available, don’t overlook the power of volunteer recruitment. Many colleges and universities have volunteer matching services that connect students with nonprofit organizations. For example, the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Community Engagement offers a portal where nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities and connect directly with students interested in giving back6. By registering your nonprofit with these services, you can tap into a steady stream of student volunteers for short-term projects or ongoing roles.

Building relationships with local schools can also help you find motivated young people. High schools and colleges often encourage students to volunteer as part of their graduation requirements or to build their resumes. You can reach out to guidance counselors, career centers, or student clubs and offer to speak about your mission and the opportunities you have for students to get involved. Even if these students are not ready for a formal fellowship, they can bring energy and new ideas to your organization, and some may stay involved for years to come.

When you bring fellows or interns into your organization, it’s important to make their experience meaningful. Provide a structured onboarding process so they understand your mission, values, and the community you serve. Assign them projects that matter—whether it’s helping to develop a new program, running a fundraising campaign, or researching best practices for your organization. Make sure they have a supervisor or mentor who can answer questions, provide feedback, and help them reflect on what they are learning.

Clear communication is essential. Set expectations about time commitments, responsibilities, and what you hope to achieve together. Be open about the challenges your organization faces and encourage your fellows or interns to share their ideas. Many students are eager to contribute in creative ways and can offer fresh perspectives on problems you may have been struggling with for years.

Finally, think about how you can keep these relationships going. If a fellow or intern does great work, invite them to stay involved as a volunteer, board member, or ambassador for your organization. Stay in touch with local schools and colleges, and let them know about your successes. Over time, you can build a reputation as a great place for students to learn and grow, which will make it even easier to attract future fellows.

While you may not have access to a formal NBFP, there are many ways to benefit from the skills, passion, and creativity of students and young professionals in your community. By reaching out to community colleges, local universities, and high schools, and by making your organization a welcoming and supportive place to learn, you can build a pipeline of future leaders who will help your nonprofit thrive.