Non-Profit
Careers
Do you have a concern for quality of life and a commitment to the
improvement of civil rights, homelessness, or the environment? Maybe
the vast and growing non-profit sector, often referred to as the
third or independent sector, offers the career for you!
More than 700,000 non-profit organizations employ over 10 million
people in our country. If you're considering a career in non-profits,
you should be aware of some important distinctions between non-profit
and for-profit organizations.
Here are the Top 10 Differences:
- The purpose of a non-profit company is to serve society rather
than to make money, and at the end of the year any profits that
do exist are returned to the programs the organization supports.
- Non-profits are tax-exempt.
- Volunteers make up a large portion of the non-profit "labor
force."
- Non-profits depend on fundraising to survive, soliciting money
from the general public, private companies, government, and
foundations.
- Non-profits are required to have a board of directors made
up of 3 or more volunteers who set policies, elect officers,
and ensure the organization's mission is carried out.
- Decisions are not based on cost-effectiveness; they are based
on relatedness to mission.
- A non-profit company measures its productivity not in dollars,
but in how well it reaches its goals and fulfills its mission.
- Non-profit salaries are generally 15% -20% less than for-profit
companies.
- The atmosphere in non-profits is usually more casual and relaxed,
where most employees are passionate advocates of the same cause.
- Non-profits often provide more opportunities to be a "generalist,"
thus providing job experience in different areas and functions
such as Administration, Development, Membership, Programming
& Action, and Public Relations.
Use these web links to learn more:
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations may review Policies
& Procedures.
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