Field Internships
Collectively we in the environment community have met some success exploring and developing innovative ways to resolve tough land use problems. We have not been as effective developing and nurturing new talent. The necessary attention paid to the tasks at hand has too often proceeded at the expense of cultivating the next generation of leaders. We need opportunities for people interested in becoming involved in land use work in Southern Ontario to find access to mentoring, training and meaningful work experience.
The Foundation will support the creation of internship opportunities for individuals who have recently entered the field to enhance their skills and scope. By creating productive entry points, we encourage organizations to reaffirm their commitment to the future by formally mentoring and training new leaders. We hope they will also realize opportunities to address transitions within organizations and increase the diversity of the field.
Individuals who have completed internships should have more knowledge, bolder visions, better skills, broader work experience, and useful contacts – all of which will help them make a stronger professional contribution to the health of Southern Ontario’s natural and working lands. In this program the Foundation is particularly interested in assisting individuals to access placements outside of their usual realm.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include organizations in Southern Ontario such as community groups, environmental, farm, and aboriginal organizations that have shown commitment to the Metcalf Environment Program goal which is: to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of people and organizations working together to ensure the ecological health and integrity of Southern Ontario’s natural and working lands. Organizations may apply individually, or in partnership with others.
An application can only be submitted by the organization, but interns must be identified in the application. We place a priority on assisting individuals who are recent graduates and are in the early stages of their careers. The Foundation wants to understand why the individual you have chosen to train is deserving of this opportunity, and how your organization can help them to meet their professional development goals.
As a charitable foundation registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Metcalf Foundation can only offer support to organizations with charitable status. If you have an idea that advances the goals and objectives of this program but your group does not qualify, please contact us. We may be able to offer our assistance in other ways. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact program staff in advance to discuss their ideas.
What are the funding parameters?
While the Foundation will support a diversity of internship opportunities we are particularly interested in fostering cross-disciplinary learning. For example, an environmental studies graduate interested in urban sprawl might wish to gain experience with an agricultural organization concerned with agricultural land-loss.
Internships must be a minimum of 6 months in duration. Grants will be made for interns’ salaries and benefits to a maximum of $30,000 for a 12-month internship. Co-op work terms are not eligible for funding.
What is the application process?
Applications must not exceed 6 pages and should include:
- the mandate of the applicant organization;
- a description of the internship proposed;
- a training plan for the position, including any opportunities being provided outside the organization;
- a description of the work experience offered;
- a brief bio of the mentor, trainer(s), and/or supervisor(s) for the position;
- a brief bio of the intern, and why they are a good candidate for the position;
- a statement from the intern which explains their vision for social change and where they would like to be professionally in five years;
- a statement from the intern which explains how they believe the internship will benefit their career, their professional development goals and why they wish to train with the organization;
- what measures and process the organization and intern will use to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the placement.
In addition, applicants must attach:
- the Metcalf application cover page;
- the intern's resume;
- a budget for the proposal which indicates any financial or in-kind contribution by the organization;
- a current operating budget;
- a copy of the most recent audited financial statements and annual report.
A separate letter of introduction may be included. We do not encourage the inclusion of additional printed material, e.g. annual reports or newsletters. This material will not be forwarded to our advisory committee. Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications for funding. Please provide six paper copies of the proposal, printed double-sided, and submit an electronic version in Word, to: ruthr@metcalffoundation.com.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board and staff, assisted by advisors from the community. The Foundation will look favourably on those proposals where intern and organization are well-matched; where there is demonstrated commitment to meaningful career development for interns; and where external professional development opportunities complement the work experience. Reviewers will want to understand how this investment will make a tangible difference for the intern.
How will we learn from the internships?
Both successful applicants and interns will provide interim reports and final reports to the Foundation. These reports should describe activities undertaken and progress made toward the learning goals described in the application. A financial summary is also required. Each year a group meeting of all interns is arranged, so their experience and insight can be shared with each other, and with the Foundation.
The Foundation reserves the right to review its ongoing commitments if circumstances arise which indicate the internship is unlikely to be successful. These circumstances could include failure to undertake activities or to meet goals as described in the proposal, the departure of mentors or interns, or severe financial difficulties within the organization.
Deadlines
Please see Deadlines.
Healthy Lands Guidelines >
Leaders In The Field Guidelines >
Application Deadlines >
Advisory Committees >
Grants Awarded >
FAQs >
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