culture

Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation partners with Balanced Effect for new internship program

Phoebe Blogg Published February 14, 2025 at 1.00pm (AWST)

Behind the scenes at DAAF. (Image: Dylan Buckee)

This year the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation is joining forces with Balanced Effect - an organisation providing fundraising and customer relationship support to not-for-profits - for a new internship program.

The intern will have an opportunity to develop their skills and expertise across all areas of fundraising- including completing an online fundraising course, learn about Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centre model, and have the opportunity to travel to the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair in August 2025.

With over 2,000 not-for-profit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in Australia, First Nations leadership and agency is critical to ensure that the voices of First Nations people are heard.

The new internship program is hoping to drive a positive shift in the number of trained First Nations individuals in the area of fundraising and philanthropy to support these organisations and charities.

"DAAF Foundation does so much for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, helping to support and uncover this talent, and provide platforms to showcase their work. It means the world to me to be able to collaborate with such a respected organisation," said DAAF Foundation Community Ambassador, Jessica Mauboy.

*DAAF Friday, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2023*. *(Image: Tamati Smith)*

The six-month internship program is designed to offer a holistic understanding of the not-for-profit sector and the intricacies of fundraising and philanthropy activities. Through a combination of education and hands-on experience, the successful intern will gain valuable insights into various aspects of fundraising, including donor and philanthropic engagement, writing and implementing a fundraising strategy, grant writing and strategic campaign development, and more.

The program recognises the importance of cultural competence and safety in fundraising efforts, emphasising the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community values into contemporary philanthropic practices. By doing so, it seeks to ensure that fundraising initiatives align authentically with the diverse needs and aspirations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity, diversity and sustainability within the Australian fundraising sector.

The primary objective of the Internship is to cultivate skilled and experienced individuals within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who can navigate the complexities of fundraising with cultural sensitivity and community-focused perspectives.

At the heart of the internship program is a commitment to providing practical experience, fostering skills development, and ultimately creating tangible pathways into fundraising careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By doing so, the project aims to empower individuals within these communities to actively contribute to the sustainability and growth of First Nations not-for-profit organisations.

*Behind the scenes at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 2023. (Image: Tamati Smith)*

The successful intern will work as a paid employee of Balanced Effect Pty Ltd. In addition to supporting an exciting fundraising campaign with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres in remote communities, the internship will also provide support for Art Centre clients and gain insight into non-Indigenous-led clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of the many fundraising roles available to them.

The successful intern will participate in a comprehensive 16-module online fundraising course as an integral part of the program. This course is designed to provide a strong foundation in fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, campaign management, and ethical fundraising practices.

Each module will cover key topics such as grant writing, digital fundraising, donor stewardship, and CRM. By completing the course, the intern will gain valuable industry knowledge and practical skills that can be applied throughout the internship and beyond, preparing them for a successful career in the nonprofit sector.

This internship is an initiative of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, delivered by Balanced Effect, and is proudly supported by Creative Australia.

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