What are Nonprofits & How Are They Organized?
The nonprofit sector is comprised of organizations working towards bettering or addressing a certain issue and/or need as defined by each organization’s mission statement. The Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University has conducted research on nonprofits and developed the following list of characteristics for nonprofit organizations:
- Institutionally separate from the government (but may work in tandem with government agencies);
- They do not make or return profits to their owners or directors; money received from fundraising goes back into the organization to support the mission
- Self-governing (able to control their own activities); and
- Voluntary (non-compulsory and involving some meaningful degree of voluntary participation)
- Not all nonprofits are charities. An entity can be a nonprofit but not be a charitable cause
Learn more about the different types of nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit Volunteering & Internships
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Intern/Volunteer in the Madison Area
The Morgridge Center at the Red Gym here on campus is a great place to start learning about volunteer opportunities and community involvement. Check out the Badger Volunteer program, sign up for their newsletter, or search their volunteer opportunities database.
Volunteer Your Time is the place to find local Madison area opportunities with all kinds of nonprofits.
Community Shares features a wide range of local nonprofits looking for help – many near campus. There are great opportunities to gain skills in advocacy, direct service, grant writing, and much more.
Volunteer Match has both Madison opportunities as well as opportunities nationwide.
Wisconsin Health Corps places individuals who are interested in public health and health care in community-based, health-focused organizations across the state.
NPO.net – Non-profit job and internship listings esp for northern IL and southern WI
Intern/Volunteer Nationwide
Idealist is the place to find and learn about nonprofit organizations that focus on issues you care about and find internship and job postings.
Volunteer Match has opportunities all over the US, as well as worldwide.
Student Conservation Association – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America’s conservation corps. Members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.
AmeriCorps – Federal entity that helps Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service, with numerous programs including:
- VISTA – serve with organizations that help fight poverty
- State/National – thousands of opportunities in a variety need areas and locations
- NCCC Programs – 11-month team-based experiences for ages 18-26
National Health Corps – help build healthy communities by providing essential health education and access services to individuals throughout the United States.
Public Allies – folks from diverse backgrounds serve in full-time apprenticeship positions at local nonprofits focusing on youth development, education, public health, economic development, and the environment. Allies also participate in a leadership development program and receive individual coaching.
International Nonprofit Volunteering and Internships
International Nonprofit Opportunities
Things to do while you are still a student at UW – Madison if you are interested in working internationally.
Jobs & Internships
Volunteer Programs
Nonprofit Hiring & Networking
When should you start looking for internships or volunteer experiences?
Much of the hiring in nonprofits takes place as-needed, and at the entry-level, much happens through referrals rather than job postings. For internships or targeted volunteer opportunities, start planning anywhere from 4-6 months before you hope to start. This will give you enough time to narrow down your interests and discern which skills you’d like to build through the experience.
Nonprofit Networking
If you are looking to break into the world of nonprofits, the most important thing you can do is to start building your network. Although some entry-level nonprofit positions do get posted to the internet, the vast majority are filled by 1) Promoting a volunteer to employee status 2) Receiving a referral from a friend or colleague in the field.
Network with alums through LinkedIn and/or Badger Bridge and connect with nonprofit networking groups that can help you get started in the nonprofit sector.
45 Groups Nonprofit Professionals Can Use to Network or Find Jobs
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network – a fantastic way for students to meet and network with young professionals in the nonprofit community.
Association of Fundraising Professionals – Develops fundraising professionals, advances the profession, and inspires a culture of philanthropy in our communities.
Organizations Specific to Madison and Wisconsin
- Habitat Young Professionals of Dane County – provides opportunities for young professionals to volunteer, advocate, and network with other positively minded young professionals
- Magnet – provides young professionals with opportunities to develop socially, professionally, and civically in the Madison area
- Urban League YP – a volunteer auxiliary of community leaders ages 21-40 who work to empower communities and change lives through the Urban League Movement
- United Way of Dane County – organization dedicated to achieving measurable results that change lives in the community
- Rotary Club of Madison – Members participate in a local service project and social events
- Latino Professionals Association- Madison – Cultivating a community that empowers Latino Professionals to pursue and attain success
Taking a Gap Year Before Graduate School
Interested in taking a gap year or semester? This website is a great resource for learning about gap years in general. Learn more about gap year programs below.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Well-known Gap Year Programs
AmeriCorps – Federal entity that helps Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service, with numerous programs including:
- VISTA – serve with organizations that help fight poverty
- State/National – thousands of opportunities in a variety need areas and locations
- NCCC Programs – 11-month team-based experiences for ages 18-26
National Health Corps – help build healthy communities by providing essential health education and access services to individuals throughout the United States.
Student Conservation Association – intern in national parks, public lands, and urban green spaces to make improvements and learn conservation and sustainability practices.
WWOOF – linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community. As a volunteer, you will live alongside your host helping with daily tasks and experiencing life as a farmer.
Public Allies – folks from diverse backgrounds serve in full-time apprenticeship positions at local nonprofits focusing on youth development, education, public health, economic development, and the environment. Allies also participate in a leadership development program and receive individual coaching.
Peace Corps – live in another country for two years, working at the grassroots level to help solve some of the most important challenges facing the developing world. UW-Madison has its own recruiting office on campus.
Education-focused programs
Teach for America – commit to at least two years serving as a lead teacher in one of 51 low-income or underserved communities across the U.S.
City Year – serve as a student success coach, helping students build on their strengths and cultivate social, emotional, and academic skills that are important in school and life.
College Possible – recent college graduates serve for one year in a role dedicated to empowering students from low-income backgrounds on their path to and through college.