Teens4Hire.org: Jobs and Careers in Philanthropy
· What is Philanthropy?
· Overview
· Philanthropy Workers Needed
· Qualifications, Requirements and How to Prepare for a Position
· Positions in Philanthropy Suitable for Young Adults
· & Links to Additional Resources
What is Philanthropy?
The origin of the word philanthropy is loosely translated from Greek to mean “love for humankind”. A modern-day translation could be, “to do good”.
In the United States starting in the late 19th century, a few very rich people gave large sums of money to support the arts, education, medical research, public policy, social services, environmental programs, and other causes. For example, Andrew Carnegie was noted for his large-scale financial contributions, which included building more than 2,500 libraries worldwide. As such, he is one of America's most famous philanthropists.
Overview
Today, the philanthropy industry broadly encompasses the voluntary giving of money, time, and/or goods and services by an individual or group who desire to contribute to the well-being of society overall.
Philanthropy may seem like a career reserved exclusively for the wealthy and successful. However, many jobs in philanthropy are perfect for teenagers looking to make connections and build valuable skills for their future careers. Here is everything you need to know about jobs and careers in philanthropy.
Philanthropy also includes charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations that gather funds and resources and give them to single or multiple causes. Jobs and careers in philanthropy can include every position necessary in a for-profit business.
Charitable organizations fill a vital niche in our communities. They serve the public and support initiatives that may not be covered by the public or private sector and help create thriving societies and economies.
The terms non-profit or not-for-profit are often used interchangeably with charities and charitable organizations. However, just because an organization is a non-profit, it doesn’t mean that it’s automatically a charity. Most non-profits are designated as a 501(c) under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), which means that they are exempt from having to pay federal income taxes. Being exempt from federal income tax is not the same as being a charity.
Generally, qualified charities are designated as 501(c)(3) organizations under the IRC. The IRS defines 501(c)(3) as charitable organizations that:
• Are organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes (charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals).
• Must not be operated for the private interests of any individual or shareholder.
• May not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.
Typically, 501(c)(3) organizations fall into three main categories: public charities, private foundations, and private operating foundations.
Public charities
These organizations have a variety of missions and usually run programs to serve their respective communities. Churches and other religious organizations, community foundations, supporting organizations, certain government entities and other benevolent organizations can all be classified as public charities. Public charities must meet the “public support test” which requires one-third of its donated revenue to come from broad public support, rather than from one particular family, individual or organization.
Private foundations
Private foundations, also known as non-operating foundations, are organizations that do not run charitable programs or activities. They are not required to receive broad public support and therefore, may be funded by an individual or small group of people. Private foundations usually support charities in the form of financial grants.
Private operating foundations
Private operating foundations, the least common 501(c)(3), combine aspects of both private foundations and public charities. They are required to use 85% of their earnings for their programs. Like public charities, these organizations actively run programs, rather than writing grants for other charities.
Philanthropy may be done for tax breaks or simply to do good, or a combination of the two. Anyone can be a philanthropist if they give of their talent, time, money, or skills. There are more than 600,000 charities and foundations operating in the United States.
Corporate Philanthropy
Corporate philanthropy refers to the activities that for profit companies voluntarily initiate to invest in causes that impact society. Typically, corporate philanthropic activities include monetary investments, donations of products or services, in-kind donations, employee volunteer programs and other business arrangements. While some companies spearhead and operate corporate philanthropy programs themselves, others may focus on advancing the work of local community organizations, nonprofit organizations or other social initiatives geared toward improving society.
Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate sponsorship is a standard type of philanthropic initiative in which companies provide financial support to nonprofit or community organizations which help further their particular mission. Typically, these programs also entail such organizations publicly acknowledging the support they've received from the company. This allows companies to support causes they're passionate about while gaining publicity.
Philanthropy Workers Needed
Nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations often use a similar structure as for-profit businesses. Specialists of all kinds are used to organize projects, handle finances, market products, and events, and communicate with possible customers, donators, and causes.
Careers in philanthropy involve managing a foundation, managing grants or awards, fundraising, or working on donor relationships. You may work directly for a foundation, philanthropist, a fundraising consultancy, or for a nonprofit organization that offers charitable services. Some philanthropic organizations have a corporation-like structure with a managing director, CEO, and departments for donor services, fundraising, grant writing, and major gift acquisition. Duties and responsibilities in a philanthropic organization could also include volunteer coordination, outreach programs, and advocacy.
Qualifications, Requirements and How to Prepare for a Position
A job in philanthropy can be a rewarding path to put your already existing skills into action. Here are some things you can focus on to prepare for a job in philanthropy.
The qualifications and skills you need to start a career in philanthropy are often those needed by any company.
Qualifications
Qualifications will vary greatly based on the type of job you want in the field of philanthropy. Most jobs require an associate's or bachelor’s degree while some entry-level positions only require a high school diploma or GED.
Post-secondary degrees in nonprofit management, human resources, and business administration can help with a career in philanthropy. These degrees can help prepare you for the ins and outs of running philanthropic programming, searching out funds from donors, and implementing projects that support worthy causes.
Find a Cause You can Get Behind
One of the most rewarding things about a job in philanthropy is that you can work every day to help support a cause you are passionate about. Finding an organization that does the work that inspires you will make it easier to go the extra mile to stand out amongst other applicants.
Find Ways to Gain Experience in Philanthropy
Nonprofits and charities are always in need of volunteers to help implement programs or raise money for a cause. Volunteering early for different nonprofit organizations can help you gain the experience you need to pursue philanthropy as a career. Try different jobs that are available and see what you enjoy about the nonprofit industry to learn what may be a good fit for you.
Build Connections
The relationships that you build through your work in philanthropy might prove to be a valuable resource when it comes to finding a career. While volunteering with different organizations be sure to spend time introducing yourself to everyone and building relationships that can later be called on when in search of a career.
Positions in Philanthropy Suitable for Young Adults
If you have an interest or passion for helping others or the public good and desire a paying job or a work-based learning experience a job or career in philanthropy may be an option. Philanthropic volunteer, internships, paying jobs and careers exist in places like private foundations, grant-making organizations, corporate foundations, and nonprofit organizations in a variety sectors.
If you are primarily interested in getting a work-based learning experience volunteer positions with a nonprofit organization is your best bet. Openings are plentiful but keep in mind that you will not receive a paycheck for your time. The opportunity to learn, gain useful skills, and get real work experience is the upside. Work-based learning can also give your college applications a boost as it can demonstrate you are motivated to succeed in life.
For a paying job administrative positions are a good place to start. These are positions where you would provide administrative support to someone with greater work experience. Other roles you could fill are:
Customer Service Agent
Customer service agents help communicate with donors to solve any issues they may have. Customer service agents gain hands-on experience dealing with donors and solving problems.
Program Assistant
A program assistant works on putting philanthropic initiatives into action. This job includes a lot of clerical work and is the perfect way to get involved in hands-on charitable work. Program assistants help program associates and directors gain funds from donors and allocate resources to worthy causes.
Communications Assistant
A communications assistant helps spread the word on charitable initiatives through social media, email, and phone calls. Communications assistants help nonprofits communicate their needs to the greater community so that they can provide resources to those in need. This job can include writing posts for social media, editing grammar on print materials, and creating graphics for online marketing.
Look for positions that contain one of the following in the job title: Assistant, Coordinator, Support, or Associate. For example;
• Event Assistant
• Event Support
• Event Coordinator
• Event Associate
• Fund Development Assistant
• Fund Development Support
• Fund Development Coordinator
• Fund Development Associate
• Program Support
• Program Coordinator
• Program Assistant
• Program Associate
• Database Assistant
• Database Coordinator
• Research Assistant
• Research Support
• Research Coordinator
• Social Media Assistant
• Social Media Marketing Coordinator
• Social Media Support
• Accounting Assistant
• Accounting Coordinator
• Administrative Assistant
Links to Additional Resources
In our experience, you can make the most sustained and successful contributions when the issues you focus on connect directly to your motivations and convictions. The real question is where you want to have an impact. What follows are other places for further research and information.
VolunteerMatch matches inspired people with inspiring causes. It's how volunteers and nonprofits connect to achieve remarkable outcomes.
We believe that together we can build a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.
Join millions of young people who are collectively changing the world and taking action on the most pressing issues to them.
The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation (Cal Wellness) is a private independent foundation created in 1992. Our mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments, and safe neighborhoods.
Inspired by indigenous wisdom since 2001, Empowerment WORKS (EW) is a social change organization unleashing the power of collaboration in the relentless pursuit of a sustainable, just future for all and the fiscal sponsor of Teens4Hire.org.
Established by MacKenzie Scott to share a financial fortune created through the effort of countless people, Yield is named after a belief in adding value by giving up control.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
For over 20 years, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been committed to tackling the greatest inequities in our world.