Supported by numerous trusts, SOS Sahel UK has run a successful internship scheme since 1989, employing recent graduates in its UK office (at postgraduate student rates of pay) for one year. Competition for the internships has always been strong with over 60 applications being normal for a single post. Previous participants have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations, as well as being employed by SOS Sahel UK in a permanent capacity. Following her achievement in gaining the 2004 internship placement, Lucy Polson, is now successfully managing the fundraising and communications of the organisation. Two more interns were recruited in 2008 and the charity is seeking further interns for 2009-10. Unlike the menial role that is often reserved for volunteers or placements in larger organisations, the SOS Sahel UK interns will gain hands-on work experience with increasing responsibilities. In short, they will be equal team members, given space to use initiative and make a real difference. Responsibilities will include: · Preparing applications and reports to, and managing the donor relationships with, Trusts and Community Groups. · Writing bi-annual newsletters and adapting fundraising materials for a variety of donors. · Coordinating fundraising and awareness-raising events. · Conducting research into new funding sources. · Liaising with colleagues and partners in Africa to keep a regular flow of news for use in fundraising and communications. A short overseas trip is included to give exposure to project work at the grassroots, and to gather new stories and images that will feed into future communications. £10,000 would make possible the following: · Salary for one Intern for six months (incl. NIC employment costs) · Training & UK travel · Contribution to an overseas field trip to gather fundraising material · Office equipment and contribution to office costs Expected Outputs and Outcomes: · The development & expansion of the fundraising department from one person to three people within 12 months. · The establishment of three fundraising events per annum in aid of SOS Sahel UK, each netting a minimum of £10k. · A greater public awareness of SOS Sahel's work within the UK. · An increase of the organisations fundraising income by 15% · An improvement in the capacity of SOS Sahel's fundraising department. · The acquisition of valuable life long skills and expereince for the intern within the voluntary sector. We welcome the opportunity to discuss our work and this project in greater depth, so please do get in touch if there is any further information you need.