Nonprofits are a great way to directly impact a cause or issue that needs improvement. Whether that means enacting a positive impact on a specific community or a societal issue, there a numerous ways to get into the world of Nonprofits!
What is a Nonprofit?
A nonprofit is an organization that generates a profit for a purpose other than the financial gain of the organization and their employees. Nonprofits are founded in order to provide money/resources/programs/etc. to all different kinds of targeted audiences. A very common misconception about nonprofits is that the employees of these organizations don’t get paid for their work because of the non-business aspect, but workers typically receive similar salaries just like any other business. Which means working in the nonprofit world is a great job/internship/volunteer opportunity for anyone who is looking to give back to a cause they are passionate about both directly and indirectly.
Some typical departments at nonprofits include:
Executive/Top Management
These positions oversee the direction and strategy of the organization at either the local or national level. Some example job titles include:
- Director/Executive Director
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Board Member
- Director of Philanthropy
- Development Director
- Advocacy Director
- Volunteer Director
Administrative/Accounting
These positions are in charge of the day to day duties that are necessary in order to keep the organization running smoothly. Some example job titles include:
- Community Service/Project Coordinator
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Aides Supervisor
- Financial Aid Representative
- Public Relations Manager
- Volunteer Manager
Marketing/Communications
These positions mainly focus on promoting the organization to potential donors, target audiences, and community members. Some example job titles include:
- Director/Vice-President of Communications
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Communications Manager
- Grant Proposal Manager
- Advocacy Director
- Fundraising Coordinator
- Marketing Associate
- Social Media Coordinator
- Community Outreach Specialist
- Donor Relations Manager
Health/Human Services
These positions cover a diverse array of needs within an organization, primarily to promote welfare for both physical and mental needs. Some example job titles include:
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Social Worker
- Human Resources Officer
- Child Care Worker
- Childbirth Educator
- Counselor
- Minister
- Pastor
- Labor Union Organizer
- Policy Analyst
- Job Developer
Popular Nonprofits + Their Purposes
– Habitat for Humanity –
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 as a Christian housing ministry. The organization raises donations and volunteer help to build actual homes for people that need them. For more information about Habitat for Humanity and how to get involved.
– Education Beyond Borders –
Education Beyond Borders is a non-profit NGO devoted to closing the global education divide through teacher professional development and community education. For more information about Education Beyond Borders and how to get involved.
– Boys & Girls Clubs of America –
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national organization of local chapters which provide voluntary after-school programs for young people. For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and how to get involved.
– Planned Parenthood –
Planned Parenthood is a trusted health care provider, educator, and passionate advocate here in the U.S. as well as a strong partner to health and rights organizations around the world. For more information about Planned Parenthood and how to get involved.
– Doctors Without Borders –
Doctors Without Borders is an international humanitarian group dedicated to providing medical care to people in distress, including victims of political violence and natural disasters. For more information about Doctors Without Borders and how to get involved.
– Midwest Food Bank –
The Midwest Food Bank is an American non-profit organization that gathers food donations, primarily from large companies, and distributes them to other non-profit organizations and disaster sites. For more information about the Midwest Food Bank and how to get involved.
– Save The Music Foundation –
The Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization helping students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. For more information about the Save The Music Foundation and how to get involved.