Spotlight on Gabrielle Butler, VNA Intern

VNA Foundation has long benefited from the contributions of graduate student interns in fields including social work, psychology, and public health. We’re pleased to share reflections from one of our current interns, Gabrielle Butler.

As a Master of Social Work candidate at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, my academic and professional experiences have centered on understanding how systems influence individual health and well-being. My internship with VNA Foundation has given me the opportunity to explore this intersection through nonprofit funding, community partnerships, and social service advocacy.

Since joining VNA Foundation in April, I have gained a new perspective on philanthropy by reviewing grant applications and learning about the thoughtful, collaborative process behind grantmaking. I have also contributed to VNA’s annual report review and infographic projects by synthesizing grantmaking data, while conversations with grantees and others across the nonprofit sector have offered insight into the challenges organizations are navigating.

These experiences have broadened my understanding of the funding landscape and the ways foundations can partner with organizations to respond to community needs. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from the VNA team and the many organizations I have encountered throughout my internship, and I look forward to building on this experience as I pursue a career focused on more equitable systems of care.