Non-Profit Immersion Program
What is the Non-Profit Immersion Program?
The Non-Profit Immersion Program is a cohort of students who are paired with nonprofit organizations in Columbus. Students meet regularly with their local nonprofit partner and serve as non-voting members of the organizations' board for one year, during which time they learn about the inner workings of a nonprofit. Students also complete a capstone project with their community partner, gaining hands-on experience in skills related to nonprofit management.
As part of the program, students attend biweekly cohort meetings focused on the leadership and professional development skills needed to effectively contribute to a nonprofit organization, such as volunteer management, fundraising, and budgeting.
The nonprofit organizations that we partner with for the Non-Profit Immersion Program are subject to change year to year. The 2025-2025 partners include: Broad Street Food Pantry, Charity Newsies, Columbus Early Learning Centers, Creative Living, Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society, Neighborhood Design Center and Neighborhood Services, Inc.
Non-Profit Immersion Program's Guiding Principles
The Non-Profit Immersion Program's Mission is to:
- Prepare Ohio State students to be responsible community leaders through an immersive experience with the boards of local nonprofit organizations
- Provide Ohio State students with the development of leadership and organizational skills
- Support Nonprofit organizations and the local community by offering a fresh perspective and skillset
After participating in the Non-Profit Immersion Program, students will demonstrate competencies in:
- Operations of nonprofit organizations
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Leadership and professional development
- Nonprofit financial and fundraising procedures
- Project creation, implementation, and management
Apply to be a Community Partner with the Non-Profit Immersion Program
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open in spring 2026. Reach out to Naina Sarup (sarup.3@osu.edu) and Kristen Van Gundy (vangundy.48@osu.edu) with questions or to indicate your interest in applying to be a community partner.
Participating community partners will be paired with 1-4 students from the program, engaging with them throughout the year to provide firsthand insight into nonprofit management. Students will have the opportunity to attend board m meetings, contribute to a capstone project during the spring semester, and gain valuable experience through direct service with their community partner. This collaboration ensures they develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of leading a non-profit.
Apply to the Non-Profit Immersion Program
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed. Reach out to Naina Sarup (sarup.3@osu.edu) and Kristen Van Gundy (vangundy.48@osu.edu) with questions about the 2026-2027 application cycle.
FAQs:
What are we looking for in NPIP applicants?
- Strong sense of social responsibility.
- An interest in learning about non-profit structures and community engagement.
- Ability to commit to bi-weekly cohort meetings on Tuesday evenings and 2-4 hours a week with their non-profit.
Is NPIP only open to specific majors?
- There are no specific academic backgrounds required, so we actively welcome students from any major.
Who is eligible to be in NPIP?
- Applicants need to be at least second-year status by the autumn of their cohort year.
- Graduate and professional students are welcome to apply.
- Any major or career goal is welcome.
Do I have to have experience working with nonprofits?
- No! This program is designed to introduce students to nonprofit organizations. Students generally have a range of previous community engagement experiences.
Is this program open to graduate and professional students?
- Yes! While the majority of our participants are typically undergraduate students, we welcome graduate and professional students of all degree types.