How to Find Nonprofit and Philanthropy Jobs Anywhere?

Free food, a Friday beer cart, dog-friendly office, free coffee, fitness facilities on-site these are perks that some companies offer but do these make for a rewarding career or job – probably not.  Our dream jobs are ones that intersect with our passion, then our work and passion intersect we find that we enjoy going to work, get excited about challenges and get involved in ways that just a job wouldn’t get us engaged.   Of course, perks are nice, nice but not enough to keep us engaged in ways that bring meaning to our careers. 

Nonprofits Job Workforce Statistics in Canada

Many people think of non-profits as small businesses but over 2 million Canadians are employed in the non-profit sector, including charities and other philanthropy jobs.  That is almost 5% of the Canadian population.  The same sector contributes over 8% to Canada’s GDP.  Over 13 million people volunteer for non-profits and charities, this is a sector worth evaluating when you are looking for a meaningful career, especially if you are passionate about giving back in ways that are beyond a job.  Working for charities/non-profits offers interesting opportunities that help you learn and can be a great way to start a career or offer really interesting ways to offer your skills and talents in new ways.  They can be growth opportunities, and some people enter the non-profit sector and never leave because they find the roles to be fulfilling and may offer diverse opportunities.

Nonprofits Job Workforce Statistics in the United States

Research and government data shows that there are at least 15millions people working in the charity and non profit sector in the United States.

NonpNonprofits Job Workforce Statistics in the UK

According to the UK Civil Society Almanac 2019 the voluntary sector contributed approximately £17.1billion to the UK economy in 2016/17 and employs roughly 870,000 paid workers. There are 168,000 charities in England and Wales but the majority of UK charities are based in England.

Nonprofits Job Workforce Statistics in Australia

Not-for-profit organisations employed more than 1 million people in 2013-2014, representing 9.7% of the Australian workforce.

Nonprofits Workforce in New Zealand

There are about 300,000 people working in the nonprofit sector in New Zealand in 2015. The number includes Full time, Part Time, and Volunteer data.

Similarities and Differences between a Nonprofit vs a Charity

Non-profits are different from charities; charities are all nonprofits however nonprofits are not all charities. Its important before you enter the sector to understand the difference. 

According to the government of Canada a registered charity, public foundations, or private foundations use their resources for charitable activities and have charitable purposes that fall into one or more of the following categories: the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, and other purposes that benefit the community. 

A nonprofit are associations, clubs, or societies that are not charities and are organized and operated exclusively for social welfare, civic improvement, pleasure, recreation, or any other purpose except profit. Only charities can offer someone an income tax receipt for a donation – however, there are some circumstances where giving to a charity will not give you a tax receipt, like if you gave money in exchange for good. 

The choices can be confusing for someone who is just entering the workforce, or someone who is unfamiliar with the sector but with over 13 million people volunteering their time and over 2 million people employed in the sector it is very easy to find out more.

Best Practices to Selecting a nonprofit to work for

Before you start your search there are a few things to consider regardless of the sector you are looking at for your next position.

1. What are you passionate about?  Can you make money from your passion?  What is the market like?  Are you qualified for a position that you are passionate about?
2. The organization, read the reviews. Consider multiple sources for the information. Reach out to a few ex-employees that might be in your network. There are lots of sources for information, do your homework. You will spend 25% of your time each week in the office, better make sure it’s a fit.
3. Job title, position and salary.  These are all personal choices based on your career path.  Remember you need to be in control of your career.  Make a plan, adjust it when necessary and stick to it.  It won’t all come together at once but it will slowly unfold as you make strategic choices for your career path.
4. Opportunities are really important.  What is your potential for growth, is it clearly articulated during the interview process?  Can you see yourself in this role for a few years, will you continue to learn and grow while you work?

After all of your research, you have decided to enter the non-profit sector with a focus on charity, it is aligned with your passion for giving back in the world, focused on the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, the advancement of religion, and other purposes that benefit the community.  You want to give back in ways that have a direct return on your investment of time, talent and treasure working for the worlds most vulnerable.  There are over 80,000 charities in Canada, lots of choice and lots of options. 

Different Types of nonprofit and Charity organizations

Largest Charities – these will offer a large number of roles and have more complex structures that should provide lots of future opportunities. They will likely be more stable than smaller charities but could be plagued by bureaucracy that may not be present in smaller more nimble charities.  They may also be risk-averse due to a strong desire to protect their reputation that has been built over a long period of time. In this changing world, they must also change and innovation might be harder for them for these reasons.

World Vision Canada, Salvation Army, Canadian Cancer Society, Plan Canada, United Way Toronto & York Region, Sick Kids Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation.

Newest charities – there is a large number of charities in Canada, and the newer charities perform like startups without the same cash flow.  They often can’t access grant money, at least not easily and private case remains elusive if you haven’t demonstrated impact.  The reward could be great, just like any start up as they are often closer to a mission that is singularly aligned to impact.  Joining a new charity can be incredibly rewarding.

Local Community groups – these can be amazing opportunities as well where the work and the donations often come from the same community. 

Calgary Food Bank, Food Banks Canada, Chalice Canada, Indspire, Mississauga Food Back, Victoria Hospice Society are all great examples in Canada.  You can give back in your own community.  Many people who work in these charities, start as volunteers and fall in love with the work – clear passion connected to their work.  Look in your own community, and you will be sure to find a charity that is focused on a cause you are passionate about that is working in your own back yard.

You should work for High-Impact Charities.

Highest Impact Charities are great charities to work for.  The money they raise is put to good use, money is not wasted and is spent on programs that have a tangible impact.  Impact sometimes can be subjective, but every charity is required to report on the money they raise, the money they spend and on what and this information is all public and available for everyone.  Some high impact charities in Canada are

Against Malaria Foundation, Aunt Leah’s Place, Canadian Feed the Children, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Doctors Without Borders, East York Learning Experience, Fresh Start Recovery, JUMP Math, Lifewater Canada

Whether you want high impact, established charity, large, small the choice is personal and you need to look for the alignment of your passion and the mission purpose and impact.  Look at your own goals and find a role that will challenge you, will help you continue to learn and one that you can bring your own talents and use them in exciting and rewarding ways.

Recent News on nonprofit and charity jobs

FAQ about Finding a nonprofit job