Our #SummerOfPurpose blog series follows this year’s Cleveland Foundation Summer Interns as they spend 11 weeks working with Cleveland-area nonprofit and public sector organizations. In today’s blog we hear from Chloe Schaufele, who is working with Art House, Inc. as a development intern, immersed in fundraising, grant writing and research, writing and storytelling, and marketing and communications initiatives.

Why did you initially decide to participate in the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program? 

I decided to participate in the internship program because I’m passionate about volunteering and helping people. I had an interest in nonprofit work, and this internship provided me an opportunity to grow my network in the field, as well as get a taste of what working at a nonprofit is really like.

What has been the most valuable aspect of your internship experience?

The most valuable aspect is the chance to build my network. Through civic immersion days with the other nonprofits in the program and people I’m meeting through my host site, I’m building a lot of relationships and gaining valuable advice to apply to my future career.

What skills are hoping to develop through this experience? 

I’m hoping to develop my grant writing skills, and learn more about different ways to fundraise and bring in donors for nonprofits.

What are your career goals after college? 

After college I’m hoping to go into development for a human services nonprofit, and in my spare time finish and publish a novel.

How has this internship helped you grow personally?

This internship has really helped me to step outside my comfort zone. Normally I’m not very good at speaking up or reaching out to people, but because of the connections I’m making and the work I’m doing, I’ve found that I’m more comfortable opening up to people.

When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing around Cleveland? 

I love Cleveland sports! Dollar dog nights with fireworks at Cleveland Indians games are my favorite thing to attend during the summer, and in the winter I love watching the Cavs.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship program? 

Show your passion! Everyone in our 2018 cohort has a clear passion for the work they’re doing at their host site and a drive to make Cleveland a better place since day one. Make your passion for nonprofit work clear in your applications, essays and interviews, and set yourself apart from the other applicants.