Non-Profits
Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in addressing social issues, promoting positive change, and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. These organizations are dedicated to serving the public good and operate with a mission to create a positive impact rather than generate profits. Non-profit careers offer individuals a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the world while pursuing their professional aspirations.
Non-profit organizations encompass a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, environmental conservation, social justice, poverty alleviation, and more. Whether it's advocating for human rights, providing access to education for underprivileged children, or working towards environmental sustainability, non-profit professionals are committed to advancing the welfare of others and building a better future. Each sector focuses on specific areas of need and works tirelessly to address the challenges faced by communities around the world.
Non-profit careers attract individuals who are driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to create positive social change. These organizations require a wide range of skill sets, including program management, fundraising, marketing, communications, research, and advocacy.
While non-profit careers may not always provide the same financial compensation as their for-profit counterparts, they offer unique rewards. Non-profit professionals often experience a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that their work directly contributes to positive change and transforms lives. Working at a non-profit is a chance to make a difference, create lasting change, and leave a positive legacy for future generations. If you are looking to help the common good, this is the industry for you!
EXPLORE CAREERS
Non-profit organizations cover a wide range of sectors and causes, addressing various social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Below are some common types of non-profits.
Educational Organizations
Non-profit educational organizations work to promote access to quality education and support learning initiatives. They may operate schools, offer scholarships and grants, develop educational resources, and advocate for education reform. Not all roles at educational organizations require an education major or a background in education.
Environmental & Sustainability Organizations
These non-profits are dedicated to protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable practices. They may engage in initiatives such as wildlife preservation, land conservation, climate change awareness, and promoting renewable energy.
Healthcare & Medical Research Organizations
Non-profit healthcare organizations focus on improving healthcare access and outcomes. They may operate hospitals, clinics, or research institutes and contribute to medical research, disease prevention, public health campaigns, and community health initiatives.
Arts & Culture Organizations
Non-profit arts and culture organizations support artistic expression, cultural preservation, and community engagement. They may include museums, theaters, music ensembles, and cultural centers that provide arts education, exhibitions, performances, and cultural events.
Social Justice & Human Rights Organizations
These non-profits work to advocate for equal rights, social justice, and the protection of human rights. They may focus on issues such as civil liberties, gender equality, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities.
Advocacy & Policy Organizations
Non-profit advocacy organizations work to shape public policy, influence legislation, and create social change. They may engage in lobbying, research, public education campaigns, and grassroots organizing to advance specific causes and address societal issues.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
You will be able to find non-profit jobs on many different job boards, but there are some that are more specific to the non-profit industry. Below are just a few to check out. As you look deeper at different areas of non-profit work, check out suggestions from professional associations for further job boards.
- Center for Nonprofit Excellence
- Global Jobs
- GoodFoodJobs
- Idealist.org
- Indeed.com/nonprofit
- Koya Leadership Partners
- Netimpact
- NGOJobBoard
- Nonprofit Career Network
- Non Profit Jobs.org
- Organizers for America
- Philanthropy News Digest
- The Bridgespan Group - Nonprofit Jobs Center
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy
- The Nonprofit Times
- Work For Good
Below are a few examples of non-profit organizations to check out. These employers can help begin your exploration of employer options.
- American Civil Liberties Union
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
- AmeriCorps
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- Boy Scouts of America
- Citizen Schools
- Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance
- Doctors Without Borders USA
- El Pomar Foundation
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Feeding America
- Global Service Corps
- Habitat for Humanity
- Nature Conservancy
- Oxfam America
- Planned Parenthood
- Rise Colorado
- Smithsonian Institution
- Special Olympics
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
- UNICEF
- World Wildlife Fund
DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST
There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and offf campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.
- Apply for the Career Center’s Public Interest Fellowship Program and complete a paid summer internship or year-long fellowship in the non-profit sector in Colorado.
- Join on-campus clubs that relate to your non-profit interests. Some examples include CC Students for Justice in Palestine, Colorado College Injustice Watch, Colorado College Refugee Alliance, CREATE Club, Public and Global Health Club at Colorado College, and Sunrise Movement Colorado Springs.
- Get involved as a Bonner Fellow in your first year at Colorado College to complete a 4-year paid fellowship in the Colorado Springs community related to an issue of interest.
- Join a Collaborative for Community Engagement Issue Coalition email listserv and check out campus clubs associated with each issue coalition group.
- Become a Community Engaged Scholar and complete 10 hours of community engagement each block towards completion of 300 hours.
- Check out the Wellness Resource Center for student employment opportunities and student organizations related to health promotion and advocacy
- Complete a major or minor related to your issue area of interest. Some examples could include: Education, Environmental Studies, Feminist and Gender Studies, Race, Ethnicity, and Migration Studies, or Theatre and Dance.
- Consider studying abroad through Global Education and Field Study to explore other cultures and international issues.
- Explore options for continuing education once you’ve identified a sector of interest. Master’s degrees in areas like public health, public policy, environmental science, or education can deepen your knowledge of a current issue.
- Apply for a Davis Projects for Peace grant to design a grassroots summer project to address the root causes of conflict. Colorado College submits proposals to the Davis Foundation for consideration, check out Davis Projects for Peace for more information.
- The Peace Corps Prep Certificate offered through Colorado College is a way of bolstering your resume for Peace Corps or other international opportunities. The certificate will help you identify your areas of global focus and map your Colorado College experience to be competitive when applying to the Peace Corps.
- Research non-profits of interest using GuideStar. Subscribe to email listservs from non-profits you admire and would aspire to work at.
- Join the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network. There are local networks in various US cities including the Bay Area of California, Denver, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and Austin. In addition to local events and supporting young professionals in the nonprofit sector, the networks also have a good Job Announcement email list you can join.
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CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE
- Professional associations are a helpful way to explore an industry. The Colorado Nonprofit Association is a great local non-profit to check out right here in our state. National Council of Nonprofits and Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) are more broad associations that work with a variety of sectors within non-profit organizations.
- There are many programs to explore your interest in non-profit work. Here are just a few to check out as you are getting started: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows, Mentora Foundation Youth Changemaker Fellowship, Center for Third World Organizing trainings and programs, Green Corps, Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service Summer Program, Education Pioneers Fellowship, and RESULTS Internships.
Questions? Reach out!
