Interns

Interns (paid) - There are many misconceptions about interns and whether interns are paid or unpaid workers. Paid interns are really simply employees. In this case, "Intern" is like a job title. They need to be paid at least minimum wage. If their tenure is temporary/a few months, they should be set up as temporary employees and won't qualify for benefits. It is generally not appropriate to pay interns a “stipend” payment outside of payroll. If you would like to bring on a paid intern, please visit the Hiring Employees page of our members portal for more detailed information and next steps. Contact [e-mail] if you have questions.

Interns (unpaid or paid less than minimum wage via “stipend”) - Unpaid interns must meet very specific requirements to be unpaid (or paid less than minimum wage). If they don't meet these requirements, they need to be paid at least minimum wage. If you believe your internship program and interns would meet these requirements, and you would like to host unpaid internships, please contact SGF in advance of bringing on the interns, with documentation that all requirements are met. Another option is to see if they meet the requirements to be a regular volunteer, in which case they could be an unpaid volunteer with a volunteer agreement (but no stipend in that case). See more information in the Members Portal on Internship Programs.