Many students interested in politics, the arts, social justice, or “doing good” through their work find themselves drawn to the non-profit and social justice sector. Non-profits are officially tax-empty organizations whose money or “profit” must be used solely to further their charitable or educational mission, rather than distribute profits to owners or shareholders (as in the for-profit sector). Within the broad category of non-profits, there are many types of organizations, which can be characterized and differentiated by their approach and purpose. Read on to explore these kinds of non-profits further.
Common non-profit job functions include:
- Program Delivery: Program Assistant/Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator
- Development and Fundraising: Development Assistant/Coordinator, Grants Assistant, Fundraising Associate
- Communications and Marketing: Communications Assistant/Coordinator, Marketing Associate
- Operations and Administration: Administrative Assistant, Executive Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator
Advocacy and Policy: Policy Assistant, Community Organizer
Industry Insights
Check out the latest Vault guides to Politics, Public Policy, and Activism, the Nonprofit Sector, and other related industries.
Sample Employers in LionSHARE
- 92nd Street Y
- Make a Wish Foundation
- Clinton Foundation
- Vera Institute for Justice
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Hospital for Special Surgery
Focus Areas in Non-Profit
Here is a sample list of applied areas in this industry:
Charities and foundations
Charities are organizations or institutions that provide direct assistance to people and communities in need. Charities may be focused on a particular need, such as healthcare, the environment, civil rights, or early childhood education. Foundations are institutions or organizations, funded by endowments or corporate contributions, that may support their own programs or grant funding to other organizations.
community development and advocacy
Community development or advocacy organizations work to strengthen their communities and influence policy around issues such as housing, education, climate change, racial equity, and public health. Advocacy organizations often receive the majority of their funding from individual donations, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.
non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are non-profit organizations that operate independently of the government, often on a global scale. NGOs may address a variety of issues, including civil and human rights, healthcare, environmental protection, peace, and economic development. Examples of major NGOs include Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres), and Amnesty international.
social or human services
Social and human service organizations provide critical support to individuals, families, and communities, addressing issues like mental health, homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, and child welfare. Many organizations partner with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to provide comprehensive support.
Columbia University Resources
- Explore CCE-sponsored internship programs.
- Read this short conversation with a recent alumna about her work in the industry.
- Check out the latest Vault guides to Politics, Public Policy, and Activism; the Nonprofit Sector; and other related industries.
- Get involved as a volunteer through a program, organization, or center like Columbia Community Impact, the Double Discovery Center, Columbia Community Outreach, Beyond the Bars Fellowship, or The Eric H. Holder Jr. Initiative for Civil and Political Rights Institute at Columbia College.
- Consider fellowships for CC/SEAS and GS students.
