Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP)
Development Summer Internship Program (D-SIP)
- 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 2025
- Why: Do meaningful work and prepare for your career
- Goal: Introduce U-M students to the field of fundraising and philanthropy
2025 Program Details
Program Dates: May 13, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: Monday, January 13, 2025 at midnight
D-SIP by the Numbers
Earn
What a D-SIP week looks like
Winner of two national awards
423 D-SIP alumni
D-SIP alumni work in many fields, with organizations all over the world, like:
- MIT
- McKinsey Co.
- Peace Corps
- Washington Ballet
- ABC
- Target
- Microsoft
- Northwestern
- University of Michigan
- US Navy
- The American Red Cross
D-SIP Prepares You for a Future Career
– 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 Friday 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
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 [4 days] of work per week during the 12-week program. The fifth day of each week is spent in class and in rigorous professional training.
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. The fifth day consists of a morning class with guest lecturers, including U-M development officials and faculty, non-profit leaders and philanthropists. The class can be taken for three U-M credits. Afternoons on the fifth day are dedicated to enhancing participants’ professional skills and also include collaborative consulting projects benefiting local non-profits.
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.