This year’s internship conference in Washington, D.C. was a highlight in our commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the field of planned giving. We were provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with our funded interns, hear their stories, and gain an understanding of the projects they were tasked with over the summer. Each intern brought a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge and diversity of past experiences.
Seeing these individuals in person at the conference reminded us of the impact of our funding, and how it’s not just about financial support; it’s about investing in their future and the future of advancement and planned giving, in particular. For some of these young professionals, this internship is an introduction to a field they previously knew nothing about. It will allow them to explore the opportunities, but also develop critical skills, and contribute meaningfully in their future roles overall.
Since our first planned giving intern joined us in 2021, our funding program has grown to supporting 17 interns and 2 graduate trainees with nearly $250,000 in grants dedicated to professional development. Each new cohort continues to build a network of talented individuals who have had exposure to the rewarding career of planning giving and all the benefits it provides organizations, not to mention, hope for the future.
The CASE Advancement Internship Conference was a showcase of the power of investment in professional development and the incredible talent emerging from our internship program.