31st July 2025
We love hearing what our current and former interns get out of their placement with us. It’s so important to attract the best talent to the philanthropy sector and give them value.
Philanthropy is an exciting place to work at the moment – and we want everyone to know. Current trends and world events present challenges, but also opportunities to get more money to good causes.
Prism fills an important niche within the philanthropy ecosystem – offering bespoke services for High Net Worth Individuals through its Donor Advised Funds and supporting changemakers through its unique Collective Fund model.
Our internships are perfect for ambitious graduates who are thinking of a move into the charitable sector. We need more creative problem solvers who can build strong relationships with clients and partners. Interns are a huge asset to our team, supporting them with day-to-day tasks – but we also design the internships so they get the best experience too.
Working behind the scenes at Prism, our interns learn about why people give, their motivations and the different types of donors – from High Net Worth to grassroots organisers. They are also exposed to a diverse portfolio of clients, causes and different funding models. And, ultimately, they get a deeper understanding of how wealth managers, philanthropy advisors and intermediaries work.
We’ve had a number of interns go on to become full-time members of our team.
Here, they share their experiences and advice.
Ellie Lawrence: former Intern now Relationship Manager
Graduating in 2023 from University of Leeds with a degree in Art History, Ellie now oversees several Donor Advised Funds and Collective Funds such as the Fondation Maeght International Council Fund, raising funds for the Fondation Maeght art foundation based in the South of France.
Why were you drawn to the Prism internship?
I’d previously worked for an art foundation and noticed how integral funding from individuals and Trusts & Foundations is to enable long-term impact and sustainable growth. I wanted to make a difference and learn more about the charity sector and how to engage with philanthropists to best support their giving and maximise impact.
What was one of the highlights of your internship?
A real insight was liaising with a variety of UK-based and international charities. It gave me the opportunity to build my understanding of Prism’s work and the wide scope of impact areas that we contribute to. It made me even more passionate to work in this sector.
What have you been most proud of since you came to Prism?
Every week we help get money to where it is needed fast. This can be supporting London-based arts organisations or funding education in India. Being part of this process is extremely enriching.
Any advice for interns?
Internships are a great segue into hands-on learning across the charity sector. Talk to people in different parts of the organisation to understand what they do. It is a good opportunity to build skills in account management, fundraising strategies, compliance, and donor relations.
Eoin Hallam: former Intern now Relationship Manager
Eoin graduated from Bristol University in 2024 with a Master’s in International Development. Since joining Prism full-time, he’s led several projects, including Gift Aid and JustGiving, and oversees over 20 Donor Advised Funds and Collective Funds.
Did you always want to work in philanthropy?
I always knew I wanted to work in the charity sector – I just wasn’t sure in what capacity. Before Prism, I didn’t even realise organisations like this existed. It’s perfect for me: I get to do research, support impactful work, and be part of something meaningful.
Any advice for future interns
Speak up and ask for more work – especially in areas you’re interested in. If you don’t, you might end up with general admin. That might feel hard as an intern, but I didn’t find it difficult at Prism – it’s a really nurturing environment.
Have you found any moments where your academic background and client work align?
I work with a Donor Advised Fund supporting the Soil Association, which really aligned with my Master’s thesis. I was even invited to the CEO’s farm for a volunteering day. More and more of my clients are now focused on environmental work – one is currently looking at the possibility of supporting a Food Security Network in Namibia.
Has anything surprised you about the philanthropy sector?
It sounds obvious now, but I was genuinely surprised by how much individuals give and the different models they use. I’d grown up seeing big campaigns like Children in Need and assumed most donations came from the public chipping in. But here, you see individual gifts of £2 or £3 million – that completely blew my mind.
Sylvia Holland: current intern
Sylvia is currently studying for an MBA at Richmond American International University after earning her BA in Environmental Studies at Wellesley College in Boston. It was while doing another internship with an environmental charity she found that the finance element ‘lit her up’.
What attracted you to the internship at Prism?
My goal over the past couple of years has been to get as behind the scenes as possible in philanthropy, and interning with Prism offers exactly that. I was especially curious about how UK DAFs work and the challenges and opportunities facing the charities they support.
What do you hope to learn and take away from this experience?
I’m taking away a clear understanding of both the minute details that contribute to smooth and effective giving, and of the complexities of philanthropy globally. Being on calls with international partners and seeing how governments regulate giving has been incredibly enlightening.
What would you like to do next?
I plan to continue exploring and gaining expertise in this sector. I’d like to continue in roles that are multidisciplinary, detail-oriented, and require attunement to the needs of both charities and donors.
Advice for interns
Informational interviews are essential. I’ve done dozens, and hearing what someone does – and whether it lights you up or not – is so helpful. Realising sometimes an area of work is not for you is just as valuable, these conversations help you keep adjusting toward what you really want to do.
Find out more about internship programmes and current vacancies
