Moving from volunteer work to a paid position
Q. I’m a full-time volunteer for a youth organization. I love my work, but I cannot continue to do it without at least some reimbursement for transportation and administrative costs, which I am currently paying out of pocket all the money raised by the organization goes for its program costs. Is it…
By Cassie J. Moore
Contributor
Tips on how to land a public relations job for a nonprofit organization.
Volunteering is nearly always the first step.
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
How do I start an organization that awards grants to disabled people?
Q. As a disabled person, I am becoming more and more convinced that there is no organized group that specializes in grants for disabled people. I want to start a foundation to address these needs. Can you give me some ideas on how to start this? A. Let’s start with the possibly erroneous premise of…
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
Is there a Web site or publication dedicated purely to philanthropy in Britain?
Q. Is there a Web site or publication dedicated purely to philanthropy in Britain? A. If you’re seeking the official source, you’ll want to visit the Web site of the Charity Commission, the British cabinet office that supports, encourages, and regulates all charitable organizations in Britain. Your…
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
Tips for returning to the job market after a long illness
Q. I’m starting a new job search after a long illness. I was an executive director of a charity before I got sick, and my rsum reads well except for the glaring five-year gap. How do I address this with potential employers? A. The answer is simple: Tell the truth, says Louise Shea, vice president…
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
How do I begin a nonprofit career?
Spend some time volunteering and talking with people who work in various positions within the sector so you can better focus your interests.
By Rebecca Gardyn
Contributor
Tips for finding volunteers at universities
Spend some time getting to know who is at the university, looking at newsletters and publications that talk about the kind of research you seek.
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
Proving that a small charity’s programs are working
Q: I am a graduate student working on a project with a charity that helps young fathers who don’t have custody of their children learn parenting skills and get more involved in their children’s lives. We depend on grants, but because of the charity’s shortage of staff members, it has been hard for…
By Sandy Asirvatham
Contributor
Should I set a limit on the amount of fundraising I do at a given time?
Don’t make assumptions about donors’ ability or desire to give.
Where can I find a training program that will teach me how to run a charity?
Q: I’m in Cincinnati and looking for training that will help me learn about running a charitable foundation, covering such topics as the criteria other grant makers use when granting money to individuals. Any advice? A: Since you are looking to become a grant maker, your most direct source for…