<p>I have a somewhat complicated situation. I recently received an offer for a paid internship this summer for a small NPO in Washington D.C. dealing with education policy. This would be my dream job, if I had to personally design something to do next year, this would be it. However, the stipend is rather modest and I am graduating with student loans and credit card debt and cannot afford to take the offer. I applied without knowing the specific financial terms of the internship. What would be the appropriate way to phrase this and reiterate that I am interested and would be interested in future opportunities with this organization?</p>
<p>Just tell them that.</p>
<p>I’m no expert, but it seems like a good enough reason. Why not just say that you are sincerely interested in the position and the organization, that it is your dream job, but that you cannot accept it because you were previously unaware of the financial realities? You could also throw in that you would be happy to take the job if they are willing to jack up the offer, which even if you know isn’t going to happen, at least signals sincerity.</p>
<p>Also, could you tell me a little something about the AmeriCorps summer thing? I looked on their site and couldn’t find a summer program anywhere - they all seem to be rather long-term. Thanks, and good luck!</p>
<p>Tell them that you would love to work for them, but due to financial reasons you will not be able to do so unless they are willing to pay a little more (sometimes they will increase pay, but it is rare for them to do it with interns). Reiterate that you would still like to work with them and if there would be any possibility of interviewing with them for a position that starts next year.</p>
<p>The AmeriCorps summer Associate position:
[NationalService.gov</a> > Summer Initiatives](<a href=“http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/initiatives/summer.asp]NationalService.gov”>http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/initiatives/summer.asp)
PM me or IM me if you have more questions, I am a huge fan.</p>