#Nonprofit

Tag: #Nonprofit

A Guide to Using ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer

If you’re interested in working for or with nonprofit organizations, one valuable resource to aid your research is ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer:

https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/

ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer is an online platform that offers a comprehensive database of information about nonprofit organizations operating in the United States.

Here are some tips to use it to your advantage:

  • Use the search bar to look up organizations by name, location, or keyword.
  • Alternatively, you can browse organizations by category, such as education, healthcare, or arts and culture.
  • Dive into an organization’s programs and achievements to evaluate its impact.
  • Look for measurable outcomes, testimonials, and success stories that showcase the nonprofit’s effectiveness in achieving its mission.
  • Learn about the nonprofit’s board of directors, key staff members, and their qualifications.
  • Consider how the organization’s leadership aligns with your values and career goals.
  • Use Nonprofit Explorer to compare several nonprofit organizations side by side.
  • This allows you to make informed decisions about which organizations align most closely with your career aspirations.
  • Once you’ve identified organizations of interest, consider reaching out to their staff or volunteers.
  • Attend events, webinars, or conferences related to the nonprofit sector to expand your network and gather more information.

An Introduction to Nonprofits

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.

State of Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program

Every summer, the State of Wisconsin offers internships for students across culturally diverse groups, so they can experience the professional work environment of Wisconsin State Government. Since the inception of the program, the program has placed close to 4,000 students in internship positions across more than 30 state agencies and university campuses.

​The Student Diversity Internship Program provides students with valuable, paid work experience and training in various branches of state government over the summer break. Many interns have gone on to​ obtain employment in state government as limited term or permanent state employees.

To participate in the Student Diversity Internship Program, students must be 18+ years of age and be attending, have plans to attend, or recently graduated from a two- or four-year college or university, graduate program, or a vocational/technical school program.

Visit the State of Wisconsin Student Diversity Internship Program web site to see this summer’s openings!

Public Service, Social Justice and Non-Profit Fellowships

Are you dedicated to making an impact? Are you passionate about public service, social justice, or nonprofit work?

These fellowship programs have early-in-the-year deadlines and might be right for you. If you’re interested please reach out to Professor Claire Kervin at claire.e.kervin@lawrence.edu.

  • The Scoville Peace Fellowship provides recent college graduates with funding and opportunity to work with one of two dozen participating institutions in Washington D.C. Annual deadline is early January.
  • The Phi Beta Kappa Key Into Public Service Award connects promising liberal arts students with public service opportunities. Annual deadline is mid-late January.
  • Greenlining Summer Associate Program is a 10-week program for emerging social justice leaders. Associates learn about issues impacting California and the nation and manage research and advocacy projects under the direction of a Greenlining staff member. Annual deadline is late January.
  • UK Fulbright Summer Institutes are 3-to-4-week programs for students with no or little travel experience outside N. America. Explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK while experiencing higher education at a UK university! Options include “Arts, Activism, and Social Justice” at Bristol, “Climate Change and the Environment” at Exeter, and more. Annual deadline is early February.
  • FAO Schwarz Fellowships offer paid positions at leading nonprofit organizations. The Fellowships are designed to jumpstart your career as a leader of social change. Annual deadline is early-mid February.
  • Greenlining Institute Fellowship is an 11-month program offering hands-on policy advocacy experience and professional development to emerging leaders who are committed to equity and justice for communities of color. Annual deadline is early-mid February.
  • Humanity in Action Fellowships involve immersive study and community-based action projects exploring issues of social justice, human rights, politics of memory and remembrance culture, and civic engagement. Annual deadline is early-mid February.