38 Great to Know Nonprofit Career Resources

38 Great to Know Nonprofit Career Resources

Maybe you’re in college and are trying to decide what to do with your future, or maybe you’re tired of your current job and have decided that you want to explore a new career path. The road you choose is a career where you can make a difference and make lives brighter and better for others: a career in nonprofit work.

Through our resource guide, we’ll give you all you need to get started in the nonprofit world.

Table of Contents

  1. Volunteering
  2. Starting a Nonprofit Organization
  3. Seeking Fiscal Sponsorship
  4. Finding Donor Circles
  5. Nonprofit Affiliate
  6. Donor Advised Fund
  7. Social Entrepreneur
  8. Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser
  9. Nonprofit Associations
  10. Annual Nonprofit Careers Events

#volunteering

Volunteering Resources

1

A great first step to deciding if you want to pursue a career at a nonprofit organization is to volunteer at one. By volunteering, you can get a feel for the organization and the work to see if it fits with your lifestyle and interests.

#nonprofit-organization

Starting a Nonprofit Organization Resources

2

Maybe you’ve spent the last five years of your life volunteering at different nonprofits, and now your goal is to turn your passion into a career and start a nonprofit organization of your own. Here are some resources to help you start your own nonprofit organization.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

A nonprofit organization is another form of business. To survive, funds that come in must be more than the costs of running the organization. Make sure you've created a thorough business plan.

#fiscal-sponsorship

Seeking Fiscal Sponsorship Resources

3

Fiscal sponsorship is a way to pair your passion with an organization before your own nonprofit is recognized as tax-exempt under law. it’s a win-win for everyone.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Focus on impact.

While the fine details are important also think of the bigger picture and elucidate how your nonprofit can make an impact straight away. Your fiscal sponsor wants to share your mission with you, so communicate regularly.

#donor-circles

Finding Donor Circles Resources

4

Having a passion for nonprofit work is fantastic, but passion doesn’t pay the bills. Here are some resources on how to find donors to contribute to your nonprofit’s goals and mission.

Ask Your Donor Thought Circle
  • What connected you to us?
  • What made you decide to become a donor?
  • How can we encourage other people to give to our cause?
  • How can we make you feel more special and appreciated?
  • What things would make people feel more special and appreciated?

#affiliate

Nonprofit Affiliate Resources

5

If your nonprofit is growing by leaps and bounds, you may seek to start an affiliate organization in another community of need in your home state, or in another state altogether. Here are some resources on how to accomplish that.

#donor-advised-fund

Donor Advised Fund Resources

6

Some donors want to take a hands-on approach to working with a nonprofit organization beyond just writing a check. With a donor-advised fund, donors are able to:

  • Make a charitable contribution
  • Receive a tax benefit right away
  • Offer ideas about how to utilize the money in the fund.

Here are the resources on donor-advised funds.

#social-entrepreneur

Social Entrepreneur Resources

7

Through research, it’s possible that you've identified yourself as a social entrepreneur: someone who uses their passion to help a nonprofit or company; or to create one of their own. Below you will find some resources on social entrepreneurship.

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Collaborate don't duplicate.

It's inevitable that in some areas and industries there will be organizations that have successfully set up and are running fantastic nonprofits for their community.

Instead of trying to directly compete, ask yourself:

How can I compliment their activities with my my own nonprofit?

Also consider sharing resources, by sharing resources costs can be saved.

#peer-to-peer

Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser Resources

8

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a unique form of fundraising in which an organization uses those who support their cause to fundraise on their organization’s behalf. It is also known as social, personal, or team fundraising. Here are some resources on how to make it work for you.

Website Tile

#nonprofit-associations

Nonprofit Associations Resources

9

A great way to reach a wide audience and to give your new organization exposure is to join a professional nonprofit association. Consider these resources.

Incorrect

It's common for smaller nonprofits to have "founder syndrome". This includes the founder of the organization making mistakes such as:

  • Inability to delegate tasks to staff members
  • Ignoring the mission statement and instead leading the organization via the personality of the founder

Correct

Instead, connect with your board, staff, donors, your community and other nonprofit organizations.

  • Ask, is your mission statement on track?
  • Keep learning from others, especially other nonprofit associations

#careers-events

Annual Nonprofit Careers Events

10

One of the most important parts of keeping your nonprofit up to date with the latest in software, donor programs and everything else that makes a nonprofit run smoothly is to attend annual nonprofit career events.

Here are couple that may interest you.

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