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10 Things to Know About Applying for a Nonprofit Job

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Thank you.

Outcast 7:57AM May 02, 2012

I would like to say Thank you to the person who wrote the 10 things and the extra comments that really helped me out. I am sorry that I don't have anything to say.

Tyler Smith of UT 10:37AM November 10, 2010

There's something you left out, which is that US News and World Reports has called Nonprofit Fundraising one of the fastest growing fields in our economy in 2009, which is GOOD NEWS! If you want to get a jumpstart on your fundraising career, check out my blog: http://wildwomanfundraising.com.
Another thing you might want to mention is that the vast majority of nonprofits have budgets of under $1M, which is smaller than small business, to the Feds.
Yet another thing I feel compelled to mention is that if you want to find out right away what money you'll be making at a nonprofit, their tax information SHOULD be available at http://guidestar.org. It will list the salary of their top executive. If you are looking for an entry level position, you will probably make less than half of that.
Furthermore, no matter HOW much passion you have, work 9-5 and go home. Some nonprofits will be reluctant to pay you overtime, and if you're working overtime and NOT GETTING PAID, that is ACTUALLY ILLEGAL.
Sincerely,
Mazarine
7-year Nonprofit Veteran

Mazarine of TX 10:15AM November 10, 2010

those people ask for money and they laundry the money through the back door you don't want to work for these people unless you are the want making the money taxes free. they do not report and are connected very well in order to report spending in jobs that probably never were necessary or done. scam

carlos of AL 6:38AM November 09, 2010

As a person who has only ever worked for nonprofits (501c3s and 501c6s - the IRS codes are part of the vocab), I generally agree with the list above. I would also urge applicants to do some due diligence on the nonprofit they are thinking about working for. I've worked for established nonprofits and for some I would describe as projects - once the founder (and/or the supporters) move on, the organization built around that project may not exist any more. I'm not casting one type to be right and the other to be wrong, but its individual culture is likely to have a big impact on your experience as an employee. Like any job, know what you want, what you're willing to put up with, and what's a dealbreaker.
I would also note about passion that burnout is real in nonprofits. They can (and should) compensate for lower salaries in other ways - leave time policies, for example. When you're solving Great Societal Ills, improving employee morale and internal culture can be de-emphasized, either knowingly or not. No matter how rewarding the work is, it's still work, and everyone needs to recharge their batteries. It's worth asking some questions about internal policies upfront to spare surprises later.

Carolyn of NY 1:58PM November 08, 2010