Meet the 2026 Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program Host Sites

The Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program gives local college students and recent grads an opportunity to work with Greater Cleveland nonprofit and public sector organizations during an 11-week paid summer internship.

2026 summer interns will be placed at: 

Breadwinners Academy is a Cleveland-based nonprofit that equips youth and young adults with the financial knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build long-term stability. The organization delivers culturally relevant financial literacy and entrepreneurship education across schools, colleges, and community centers throughout Northeast Ohio, with a strong emphasis on real-world application, leadership development, and economic empowerment. Breadwinners Academy is deeply committed to bridging the wealth gap through education, mentorship and community engagement. The summer intern will play an active role in summer programming by supporting financial literacy instruction, engaging directly with students, and assisting with program operations, gaining hands-on experience in education, youth leadership, and community-centered impact.

The Buckeye Flame is an independent, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ equity and justice through investigative journalism and community-centered storytelling. The organization covers issues related to race, public policy, housing, health, and education with a focus on amplifying the voices and issues of LGBTQ+ Ohioans. The Buckeye Flame prioritizes transparency, accountability, and public understanding through accessible reporting. Its work plays an important role in informing civic dialogue across Ohio. The intern will support editorial and research efforts related to reporting, communications, and audience engagement.

The Cleveland Center for Missing, Abducted and Exploited Children and Adults provides advocacy, guidance, and support services to families searching for missing loved ones. The organization works closely with law enforcement, media outlets and community partners to improve response systems and raise public awareness. Its mission is grounded in compassion, persistence and family-centered support. The center also offers training and education to strengthen missing-persons protocols across the region. The intern will assist with grant development, research and digital communications to support organizational sustainability.

The Cleveland Leadership Center develops, connects and activates leaders of all ages to strengthen civic life in Greater Cleveland. Through a suite of leadership programs, the organization engages students, professionals, and executives across sectors. Its work emphasizes collaboration, equity and community problem-solving. The Cleveland Leadership Center plays a central role in building leadership pipelines throughout the region. The intern will support alumni engagement, research and program-related initiatives that advance leadership development and civic collaboration.

The Cleveland Public Library Foundation works alongside the Cleveland Public Library to expand access to learning, culture, and opportunity for all Clevelanders. The foundation raises philanthropic support to enhance library programs, collections and services beyond public funding. Its work strengthens one of the city’s most trusted and accessible civic institutions. The foundation supports initiatives that promote literacy, education and community connection. The intern will assist with development, communications, and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Cleveland VOTES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening equitable civic engagement and increasing voter participation across Greater Cleveland. The organization focuses on nonpartisan voter education, leadership development, and community outreach. Its work centers on empowering residents to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Cleveland VOTES collaborates with local partners to expand access to civic information and engagement opportunities. The intern will support outreach, research, and programmatic efforts related to voter education and civic participation.

DANCECleveland is one of the nation’s few independent dance presenters, bringing modern and contemporary dance to Northeast Ohio. The organization curates performances, education programs and community events that expand access to the performing arts. DANCECleveland is known for its commitment to inclusion, artistic excellence, and community connection. Its work supports both local and international artists while engaging diverse audiences. The intern will assist with database management and coordination of community-focused events.

Neighborhood Connections (E. 66th Street Services, Inc.) located in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood, fuels the power of neighbors to create, together, an extraordinary world right where they live. The organization aims to honor, ignite, and celebrate people's gifts, build authentic connections, and foster a just, equitable, and united Cleveland through small grants and resident-led initiatives. The Neighbor Up Network, with the support of Neighborhood Connections, serves as a catalyst and a unifying force that forges social cohesion and nurtures a profound sense of belonging and mutual support while establishing a robust civic infrastructure that drives collective action within and across Cleveland's neighborhoods. Utilizing strategies and practices from Asset Based Community Development, Community Network Building, and traditional community organizing, The Neighbor Up Network brings together all of the assets in a community - individuals, civic  associations, institutions, the local economy, physical assets, and community history and culture - to build trust, support one another, get connected to good information, and to act together collectively. The intern will support community programs, outreach, and resident engagement initiatives.

Food Strong is a nonprofit organization advancing food justice and local food systems in Northeast Ohio. The organization works at the intersection of education, agriculture, and community engagement to increase access to fresh, healthy food. Food Strong emphasizes community leadership and long-term systems change. Its programs support youth development, urban agriculture, and neighborhood-based solutions. The intern will assist with community outreach, event coordination, and program support during the summer season.

FrontLine Service is a crisis response agency serving individuals and families in Cleveland impacted by homelessness, mental illness and trauma. The organization provides trauma-informed services including crisis response, housing support and homelessness services, and trauma recovery services. FrontLine Service is known for meeting people where they are at directly in the community and responding to urgent needs. Its work reaches over 21,000 individuals each year across Cuyahoga County. The intern will support development, communications, and special event initiatives.

Greater Cleveland Works is the workforce development board for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, focused on connecting people with quality jobs and employers to talent. The organization collaborates with employers, training providers, and community partners to bring resources into our local ecosystem and expand access to wraparound services for individuals. Its work emphasizes equity, access, and data-driven strategies. Greater Cleveland Works plays a key role in strengthening the region’s talent pipeline. The intern will assist with research, communications, and workforce-related projects.

May Dugan Center is a comprehensive social service organization serving individuals and families on Cleveland’s west side. The organization provides emergency assistance, workforce development, housing support, and youth programming. Its work is grounded in dignity, stability and family-centered services. May Dugan Center partners closely with community organizations to meet evolving needs. The intern will support program operations, data tracking, and community engagement efforts.

The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC) is dedicated to transforming Cleveland’s downtown lakefront into a vibrant, accessible destination for residents, businesses and visitors. NCWDC was established by the City of Cleveland in 2023 with the responsibility for the planning, financing, land management, development oversight, community benefits, stakeholder partnership, and oversight of a New Community Authority and other financing tools to implement the city’s North Coast Master Plan. Working in collaboration with regional partners and community members, NCWDC leads the implementation of a unified vision for the lakefront through catalytic public and private development projects. The intern will assist with research, planning support, and community engagement related to Cleveland's downtown lakefront development.

Open Doors Academy supports K–12 students by providing tutoring, mentoring and enrichment opportunities. The organization partners with schools and families to help students achieve academic success and long-term stability. Its work emphasizes consistency, relationship-building, and student-centered support. Open Doors Academy serves students across multiple Cleveland neighborhoods. The intern will assist with program coordination, student support, and summer enrichment activities

Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce is Northeast Ohio’s only LGBTQ+ business and professional organization, supporting LGBTQ+ and allied professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Through advocacy, education, and community-building, Plexus advances economic inclusion and equitable workplace practices. The Plexus Education Foundation serves as the chamber’s 501(c)(3) partner, leading education, workforce development, and inclusive leadership initiatives that strengthen long-term economic equity for LGBTQ+ communities across Northeast Ohio. Plexus collaborates closely with businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners across the region. The intern will support membership engagement and outreach efforts, helping strengthen relationships with current members and expand connections with prospective partners.

SPACES is a contemporary art residency and gallery supporting experimental and socially engaged artistic practice. The organization provides artists with space, time and resources to create new work. SPACES is nationally recognized for its innovative programming and community engagement. Its work fosters dialogue around cultural, civic and social issues. The intern will support research, archival organization, and administrative planning related to institutional projects.

Starting Point: For families seeking child care or out-of-school time programs, for the administrators and teachers of those programs, or for community organizations who seek to build capacity and understanding of what children need to thrive; we are your Starting Point. For 36 years Starting Point has been the backbone of Northeast Ohio’s early childhood sector, grown family support services to include foster care and direct resource services, and advocated for Northeast Ohio community. The intern will support storytelling, data management and marketing. 

Stella Maris is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Northeast Ohio. The organization offers a full continuum of care including detoxification, residential treatment and recovery housing. Stella Maris emphasizes dignity, compassion and long-term recovery. Its services support thousands of individuals each year. The intern will assist with development and operational planning for a new donation center initiative.

The Mezzanine Fund provides flexible debt capital to lower middle-market businesses, with a focus on supporting overlooked entrepreneurs. The organization blends private capital with a strong commitment to economic equity and impact. The Mezzanine Fund supports business growth without requiring ownership dilution. Its work addresses gaps in access to capital within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The intern will assist with investment research, operations and outreach efforts.

Towards Employment is a workforce development organization focused on advancing economic mobility for Cleveland residents. The organization provides job training, career coaching, and employer partnerships, particularly for justice-impacted individuals. Its work emphasizes trauma-informed and participant-centered approaches. Towards Employment supports thousands of individuals each year in achieving sustainable careers. The intern will assist with digital skills training, financial literacy support, and program operations.

Trust for Public Land Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit working to connect everyone to the outdoors. TPL focuses on land conservation, park creation, and environmental equity. In Northeast Ohio, Trust for Public Land partners closely with residents to advance community-centered public spaces. TPL's work supports health, climate resilience, and neighborhood vitality. The intern will assist with community outreach, research, and advocacy efforts related to park equity.