Am I too Old for an Internship?

Okay here goes- I left my job a year ago to make a career switch into the nonprofit/philanthropic world. I am pursuing my MA in Public Service (BA is in Communications) and am winding up a year-long internship at an area grant making foundation. The experience has been phenomenal and I have a slew of references to carry with me. So, you may ask, what’s my beef? I am no spring chicken (44) with many years in the financial services field (support staff) and I’m finding it really hard to even get to the interview stage even after sending out a lot of resumes. I realize the market is horrible (who knew I would decide on a career change just as the economy imploded?). Realizing that full-time employment may take longer than expected, I am also looking into summer internships. I figure it makes sense to use this down economy to my advantage and sharpen my skill set. I have applied to those as well with no luck. My true goal is to work in corporate giving (I know-the Holy Grail of philanthropy) but I have come too far and worked too hard to give up so that is not an option. Relocating isn’t an option either until I have finished my degree (another year). I do have a nibble at an internship in at a local company but they are in the early stages of hiring the summer intern. I only got my resume in the door because of who I knew there. Question: Is it possible HR people see the dates on my resume and think 1) she is overqualified and 2) we want someone younger? How do I counter that when I can’t get to the front door? I start to ask myself what the heck am I doing wrong?? My network is large and those in it are very helpful but still virtually nada. To keep myself occupied I volunteer and also just joined the Associate’s Board of a local nonprofit. Thanks for allowing me to vent. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.