Industry Overview
Advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations in the United States are distinct and, at some point, affect everyone's life. In every State these types of organizations are working to better their communities by directly addressing issues of public concern through service, independent action, or civic engagement. These organizations span the political spectrum of ideas and encompass every aspect of human endeavor, from symphonies to little leagues, and from homeless shelters and day care centers to natural resource conservation advocates. These organizations are collectively called "nonprofits," a name that is used to describe institutions and organizations that are neither government nor business. Other names often used include the not-for-profit sector, the third sector, the independent sector, the philanthropic sector, the voluntary sector, or the social sector.

Unlike businesses, these organizations do not exist to make money for owners or investors, but that doesn't mean that they cannot charge fees or sell products that generate revenue, or that revenue must not exceed expenses. Instead, these groups are dedicated to a specific mission that enhances the social fabric of society. Unlike government, these organizations are not able to mandate changes through legislation or regulations enforceable by law. Instead, they work toward the mission of their organization by relying on a small group of paid staff and voluntary service and financial support by large numbers of their members or the public. This industry includes four main segments: business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations; civic and social organizations; social advocacy organizations; and grantmaking and giving services.

Working Environment 
In 2006, about three-fourths of the workers in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations worked full time; the remainder worked part-time or variable schedules. Most workers spend the majority of their time in offices functioning in a team environment, often working with volunteers. The work environment may differ depending on the size of the organization. For those who work in small organizations, the equipment is sometimes outdated and their workspace cramped. But, in larger, well-funded organizations, conditions are very similar to those in large for-profit businesses. The work environment generally is positive -- workers know that their work helps people and improves their communities. Top executives and workers responsible for fundraising may travel frequently to meet with supporters and potential donors, often in evenings and on weekends. Fundraising can be highly stressful because the financial health of the organization depends on being successful. Workers employed in the delivery of social services also work in very stressful environments because many of their clients are struggling with a wide range of problems related to child care, child welfare, juvenile justice, addiction, health, unemployment, and inadequate workforce skills.

Employment
Advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations had 1.2 million wage and salary jobs in 2004. About 75 percent of them were in civic and social organizations or professional and similar organizations. They  are found throughout the nation, but the greatest numbers of jobs are found in California and New York, the States with the greatest population. Most establishments in this industry are small. The vast majority of jobs are in establishments that employ fewer than 5 people.

 Industry Forecast
A large number of job openings should result from employment growth and turnover, partially due to the industry's relatively low wages, as workers retire or leave the industry for other reasons.  Wage and salary jobs in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations are projected to increase 13 percent over the 2006-16 period, compared to 11 percent growth projected for all industries combined.

Earnings
Directors and upper-level managers usually receive a salary. Entry-level salaries vary based on education, experience, and the size, budget, and geographic location of the association. The Nonprofit Times Annual Salary Survey reported the following average total compensation in 2006:

Fringe benefits vary by region, sector, organization budget, geographic scope, number of employees, and type of organization. Most organizations appear to provide long-term disability, extended health care, dental, prescription drug, and life insurance coverage to all employees. Vision care has become a common benefit in the industry. Most employers pay all of their employees' insurance benefit premiums, but none of the coverage for their dependents. Only some organizations allow their employees to purchase additional life insurance beyond the basic benefit amount provided, but most hold the line at somewhat less than one year's salary, with one and two years' salary being common as well. Many advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations provide an automobile or car allowance to their senior managers, with most of them paying the entire cost for chief executive officers.

Related Degree Fields

• Computing
• Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Mathematics
• Science

Professional Associations

• American Society of Associate Executives
• Idealist.org Guide to Nonprofit Careers
• Independent Sector
• The Foundation Center

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.