Nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising is a very diverse and rewarding field. Organizations that are certified as nonprofits use any revenue they make beyond operating costs to help achieve their missions and goals (rather than distribute this revenue as a profit). Philanthropy and fundraising are both fields that work to develop funding and non-monetary benefits for organizations—such as nonprofits—that need budgetary support to fulfill their missions and goals.
Career Guide
Designing your major
Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to nonprofit, philanthropy, and fundraising, including:
Learn about careers in the field
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Campaign Manager
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Camp Director
- Gift Director
- Grant Writer
- Director of Development
- Community Health Director
- Fundraiser
- Community Organizer
- Community Service Project Coordinator
- Compliance Coordinator
- Social and Human Service Assistant
- Counselor
- Director of Family Shelter
- Grant Administrator
- Grassroots Organizer
- Lobbyist
- Major Gift Director
- Membership Assistant
- Online Activist
- Planning Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Program Coordinator
- Recreational Therapy Director
- Social Worker
- Fundraising Managers
Learn through experience
Join a student organization
Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:
- Nonprofit Management Association
- Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
- Office of International Affairs, College of Arts + Sciences
- Psychology Club at Indiana University
- WOKE, Sociology at IUB
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters at Indiana University
- Circle K International at Indiana University
- Habitat for Humanity at Indiana University
- Rotaract Club at Indiana University
- Student United Way at Indiana University
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?
Keep exploring
There are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.