Host Agency FAQs
How is the agency expected to pay the intern?
- Forest Foundation grants hosting non-profit $7,500 to compensate the intern. Host non-profit is responsible for paying the intern. The intern is responsible for completing payroll/compensation agreement with host agency prior to start date, so compensation can begin in a timely manner. Forest Foundation grants two checks to the host agency, 50% by early May and the following 50% by June 30th
- Your specific agency payroll procedure is up to you. Some agencies have put the intern on their payroll system, while others have given the intern a stipend and provided them with a 1099. The most important component is to insure the intern receives the full $7,500 for the 10 week period (less any witholding taxes)
- Forest Foundation will grant an additional $700 to the host agency ($8,200 total grant) to lessen the burden of employer payroll taxes and/or administrative/managerial time.
Can the agency interview the potential intern?
- The interns go through an application and interview process with Forest Foundation. Forest Foundation selects the interns and pairs them with an appropriate agency taking into account the agency’s needs and mission as well as the intern’s strengths, interests, and learning objectives
- An additional interview should be conducted by the hosting agency. Forest Foundation hopes to achieve the best suitable matches between host and intern. The final decision on employment is made by the hosting agency
- To ensure a positive matching experience, the host agency must provide Forest Foundation with an accurate description of the programming planned while the intern works for you. This includes responsibilities, expectations and populations involved
What if the intern/agency match does not seem compatible?
- If concerns arise regarding a particular intern and their placement, please notify Forest Foundation as soon as possible. Forest Foundation does not want to force any match
- Â We will do our best to find an alternative intern for your agency. If there is no other suitable applicant (due to geographic location, transportation issues, scheduling, skills, interests, etc.) an intern may not be placed at your agency for this summer
How flexible are the proposed dates of the internship?
- Forest Foundation understands the need for flexibility. Ideally, the internship is full time for 10 weeks during the summer, from early June through early August. Interns and Host Agencies may work out a specific schedule based on needs and constraints of both parties
- Please be sure that Forest Foundation is aware of any plans to alter the 10 week time frame. Forest Foundation must approve of any changes
How does the application process work from the agency's end?
- Forest Foundation conducts all recruiting of applicants, interviewing, and selecting prospective interns. Forest Foundation then attempts to match each prospective intern to potential host agencies.
- The applying host agency should submit a description of potential intern responsibilities and learning opportunities as well as a rough outline of a potential schedule by early March.
- Once the application and interview process have been completed, interns will be matched with hosting agencies based on interests, skills, needs, desired learning experiences, geographic location and transportation limitations among other considerations. The prospective host agency will be notified of the prospective intern who will contact the agency to discuss the specifics of the position including scheduling, expectations, etc. At this time the host agency should conduct their own interview, either in person or by phone. The agency either accepts or rejects the intern candidate after the interview.
What about CORI checks?
If an agency deals with youth and needs an intern to complete a CORI check, then it is the intern and host agency’s responsibility to complete that process.
What are the responsibilities of a host agency/supervisor?
The host agency is expected to:
- Provide an accurate description of the potential internship placement
- Inform Forest Foundation of any difficulties that arise throughout the internship
- Provide a meaningful educational experience for your college intern. Successful host agencies have involved their interns in various projects, meetings, trainings, events, and fundraising initiatives- and NOT just mundane tasks that other staff don’t want to complete
- Assist intern with independent project to encourage positive results for both intern and agency
What if the agency does not receive an intern this summer?
As there are more agencies willing to host than positions funded through the internship program, there will be agencies that do not receive an intern for the summer. This is not a negative reflection on the agency itself, merely the result of various limiting factors throughout the application and matching process.
What if the intern declines a position with the agency?
- If the prospective intern declines the placement for any reason, all efforts will be made to find a replacement intern.
- If there is no other suitable applicant (due to geographic location, transportation issues, scheduling, skills, interests, etc.) an intern may not be placed at your agency for this summer. Everything will be done to prevent such a situation
What if I know someone who would like to intern at my agency but they did not go through Forest Foundation's summer internship application and interview process?
Forest Foundation will only fund positions for interns that have gone through our selection process. Forest Foundation is happy to receive referrals from anyone in the non-profit community. Please refer these students to the Forest Foundation website, www.forestfoundation.net. A letter of recommendation will surely be read and considered for your support of this candidate.