1. Michigan Giving
  3. Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP)

Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP)

Join a diverse community of undergraduates with this unique opportunity to combine your personal growth with work that transforms lives.
  • What: 12-week internship
  • Who: U-M undergraduates, any year, any major
  • Where: On U-M campus in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint or at a local non-profit
  • When: Summer 2026
  • Why: Do meaningful work and prepare for your career
  • Goal: Introduce U-M students to the field of fundraising and philanthropy

2026 Program Details

Program Dates: May 12, 2026 - July 31, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026 at midnight

For questions, email: [email protected]
DSIP students engaging in a game involving a hoop.

D-SIP by the Numbers

Earn

Earn 3 credits and $17/hour

What a D-SIP week looks like

80% paid work (32 hours) and 20% class work (8 hours)

Winner of two national awards

440 D-SIP alumni

D-SIP alumni work in many fields, with organizations all over the world, like:

  • MIT
  • Facebook
  • McKinsey Co.
  • Peace Corps
  • Washington Ballet
  • ABC
  • Target
  • Microsoft
  • Northwestern
  • University of Michigan
  • US Navy
  • The American Red Cross
Two smiling U-M students holding up a postcard that promotes the Development Summer Internship Program.

D-SIP Prepares You for a Future Career

“After working in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, I can truly say that the skills I gained through D-SIP have been applicable to every stage of my career thus far. Regardless of the career path you choose, the tools gained through D-SIP will always be valuable.”

– Erica Jenkins (BA ’13)

Three Elements of U-M’s Award-winning Program

Paid Work

  • Work at a host site within the development community, earn money, build your résumé, and learn how fundraising makes a difference.
  • Showcase your work and accomplishments at the end of the program.

Course Work

  • Expand upon your work each week through a three-credit course. Explore how you can impact the world, learn about the fundraising process, and discover new career paths.
  • Guest speakers include influential U-M donors and campus leaders.
  • Learn more about the fundraising profession and have fun with your fellow interns during Tuesday and Thursday afternoons' class.

Professional Development

  • Refine your leadership skills to build your career and pursue causes that matter to you. Make connections and discover resources that will be vital to your success.
  • Build a network with a diverse group of students as well as with potential future employers.

Start your D-SIP Journey

Support D-SIP

If you would like to support the next generation of nonprofit leaders and philanthropists, you can make a gift to the Development Summer Internship Program.
A group of U-M students who participated in the Development Summer Internship Program.

FAQ

Who can participate in D-SIP?
University of Michigan undergraduates enrolled at the Ann Arbor, Dearborn or Flint campuses.

I am graduating this year. Am I still eligible?
Yes. While D-SIP is designed for undergraduates, newly-graduated seniors frequently participate.

Do D-SIP interns get paid?
All D-SIP Interns are paid $17 per hour for 32 hours of work per week during the 12-week program. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are devoted to philanthropy class and professional development class.

Describe a typical week.
Interns spend four days each week working in a development related position within a U-M school or unit or at a non-profit in Southeast Michigan. Tuesday afternoons, interns attend Philanthropy class with guest lecturers, including U-M development officials and faculty, non-profit leaders and philanthropists. Thursday afternoons interns attend Professional Development Class which is dedicated to enhancing participants’ professional skills and also include collaborative consulting projects benefiting local non-profits. The class can be taken for three U-M credits to be applied to the fall semester after the D-SIP program.

Can I attend school or hold another job during the internship?
It’s not recommended. D-SIP participation requires at least 40 hours each week on the job and in class plus completion of related homework assignments.

Are there any obligations after work or on weekends?
Yes. There are a handful of evening and weekend commitments that will be discussed once you are selected to participate in the program.

What kinds of development assignments are offered?
D-SIP interns can work in all phases of development, including prospect and donor research and data mining, benchmarking, communications, marketing, donor stewardship, and event planning.

Can I pick the school, unit or non-profit where I want to work?
No, although your interests and skills would be strongly considered as part of the placement decision.