Describe opportunities that is present in nonprofits, outline advantages and disadvantages of working in the nonprofit sector, and explain how you can determine if this is an area for you to consider as a career.

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INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this research is to define nonprofit organizations, describe opportunities that is present in nonprofits, outline advantages and disadvantages of working in the nonprofit sector, and explain how you can determine if this is an area for you to consider as a career.

WHAT IS THE NONPROFIT SECTOR?

“Nonprofit” is a term that the I.R.S. uses to define tax-exempt organizations whose money or “profit” must be used solely to further their charitable or educational mission, rather than distribute profits to owners or shareholders as in the for-profit sector.

The term is also used to describe organizations which are not a branch of -- are independent of -- the government and the corporate sector.  This term refers to one of the most important uniqueness of a nonprofit organization:  it is independent of both the public or government sector and the private or corporate sector. 

Nonprofits are organizations whose income is not used for the benefit or gain of stockholders, directors or any other persons with an interest in the organization. The nonprofit sector is very diverse; it includes tax-exempt organizations that are educational, scientific and cultural, as well as civic and social welfare organizations. Nonprofits usually work to advance a cause or interest or to accomplish some good work.

Some job seekers overlook nonprofit organizations, assuming that opportunities are limited and salaries are uniformly low. This is not true. Respectable salaries, a wide range of opportunities and satisfying work abound in the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit organizations play significant roles at the local, state, regional and national levels. They represent well-defined interests, conduct research, provide direct services and lobby for legislation. Nonprofits especially appeal to individuals who are passionately committed to a cause, enjoy pursing public issues and love their work.

Attempting to classify all the organizations that make up the nonprofit sector is difficult. Some of these organizations are somewhat esoteric by nature, especially single-issue organizations like those dedicated to sickle cell anemia or the prevention of cruelty to laboratory test animals. Other nonprofit groups are much broader in scope, like the United Way.

Nonprofit can be usually categorized into eight main areas:

1. Health Services - rape victim relief, kidney disease, retarded citizens’ associations

2. Education/Research - religious/private pre-school through post-secondary schools, dropout prevention, public policy research

3. Religious Organizations - groups by denominations, religious publishing, missionary activities

4. Social Service - transitional care vocational counseling, homeless shelters, credit counseling

5. Civic, Social and Fraternal Organizations - minority rights, voter education/registration, United Way

6. Arts and Culture, including Public TV and Radio - ballet, folk arts, media arts

7. Foundations - community/corporate foundations, volunteerism promotion, international relief

8. Legal Services - legal/civil aid, public interest litigation

Nonprofits present a diversity of entry-level job opportunities. Some positions provide straight service to the public such as tutor, counselor, or early childhood education. College graduates, multiple entry-level positions exist for a variety of majors. Some examples of entry-level positions are:

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Administrative Assistant/Coordinator Office Manager

Campaign Organizer Planning Analyst

Canvass Director Policy Analyst

Case Manager Press Assistant

Communication Organizer/Administrator Program Director

Community Organizer/ Project Director

Direct Mail/Marketing Manager Research Assistant

Editor Associate Residential Counselor

Field Director Vocational Instructor

        Following the entry level, one may assume positions of increasing responsibility in functional areas, program or service delivery, and/or general management. Primary job functions can include working with a Board of Directors, public and community groups, fundraising, media, clients and other nonprofit organizations. Career advancement depends on the size and mission of each nonprofit, as well as your dedication to the organization. There ...

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