Non-profit organizations focus on finding a common goal and discovering solutions to various community concerns. There is a common misconception that non-profits do not make profit from their endeavors. In reality, some generate revenue, some solicit donations and some do both! They use these funds to support the non-profit’s mission and is allocated to various projects, services, and events.
Why you should work in a non-profit
- Surrounding Yourself with Like Minded People
- Non-profit organizations offer these opportunities such as working in a space that shares your values as well as allowing room for collaborative work.
- Giving back to the Community
- Working for a non-profit organization provides employees access to work that directly impact communities. Whether you are in the backend or in the field, you will have an opportunity to make a difference.
- Benefits
- Another common misconception is that working for a non-profit is the same as volunteering. Non-profit organizations function similarly to other industries and therefore provide salary as compensation. Some also offer benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as Paid Time Off (PTO), vacation, sick leave, family, and retirement benefits.
Examples of Non-Profit Organizations
- UNICEF
- The organization is an agency for the United Nations. It actively works to defend the rights of children through policies and remedying emergencies. During a humanitarian crisis, the organization can reunify separated children with their families, preventing and addressing gender-based violence, and preventing children from sexual exploration and abuse.
- Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
- Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, their mission is to “provide a different kind of healing” to seriously ill children and their families for free. They do this through year-round programs offered onsite, in hospitals and clinics and in camper homes and communities. They have locations in Ashford and New Haven, Connecticut and plan to open another location in Maryland in 2024.
- The NFL
- Although most people are unaware, the National Football League (NFL) is a non-profit organization. They are very active with lobbyists and spent over $3 million lobbying between 2011-2014.
Sources:
What is a Nonprofit Organization? [Updated 2022] (growthink.com)
Why Nonprofit Doesn’t Have to Mean No Employee Benefits – Workest (zenefits.com)
Non-Profit Organizations: Definition, Examples and Characteristics (crgsoft.com)
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