2018 Best Nonprofits to Work For

These are the best nonprofits to work for, based on an average of employee satisfaction ratings (from Glassdoor.com) and financial health and accountability scores (from CharityNavigator.com).Read More

The work done by these organizations ranges from providing international relief services to helping local people facing homelessness. We also provide general information regarding types of nonprofit jobs and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which is available to employees working in the nonprofit sector.

For jobseekers looking to make a positive impact in the world as well as enjoy their work experience, this list is a great place to start. Many of these organizations also offer volunteer and internship opportunities. See more information about the methodology used for these rankings.

On This Page:

Best Nonprofits Nationwide

Best Nonprofits by City

How to Get a Job at a Nonprofit

Loan Forgiveness FAQs

On This Page:

Best Nonprofits Nationwide

Best Nonprofits by City

How to Get a Job at a Nonprofit

Loan Forgiveness FAQs

Best Nonprofits to Work For Nationwide

These 15 nonprofits are the Best Nonprofits to Work For Nationwide, based on employee satisfaction and financial transparency and accountability. The locations of these organizations range from Ann Arbor, MI (Food Gatherers, ranked #1), to Rocklin, CA (the Educational Media Foundation, ranked #11), and everywhere in between. Jobseekers looking for impactful and fulfilling careers may find an opportunity at one of these nonprofits, where work ranges from direct service to research and political advocacy.

1. Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community. Michigan's first food rescue program; distributed 6.5 million pounds of food in Fiscal Year 2017; provides food to 170 nonprofit agencies.

2. Plant With Purpose empowers the rural poor to transform their communities through environmental, economic, and spiritual growth. Participating communities add up to one percent vegetation cover every 7.9 years; a typical participating family has savings for twice as many months than a nonparticipant family.

3. EMI is a network of Christian design professionals who develop people, design structures, and construct facilities which serve communities and the Church. Worked on 83 projects last year, closed out many others and donated over 63,000 hours in services to client partners.

4. Seacology protects the threatened habitats of the world’s islands by working directly with local communities to both conserve their natural resources and improve their quality of life. Since 1991, Seacology has launched almost 300 projects on islands in more than 50 countries and protected about 1.3 million acres of some of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.

5. The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) develops strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies and leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. Research areas include Defense, Asia-Pacific Security, Transatlantic Security, Strategy & Statecraft, and Middle East Security.

6. IJ litigates to limit the size and scope of government power and to ensure that all Americans have the right to control their own destinies as free and responsible members of society. Litigated 5 U.S. Supreme Court Cases since 2002, including 4 victories; 107 legislative reforms secured; strategic research cited by the Supreme Court and in 192 articles in law and policy publications.

7. Rainforest Action Network preserves forests, protects the climate and upholds human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through frontline partnerships and strategic campaigns.RAN has provided funding to over 300 frontline communities, in nearly 40 countries across 6 continents; Abercrombie & Fitch Co. adopted a new policy to address deforestation and related human rights abuses in its supply chain due to RAN's work.

8. The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond.Hosts community events such as storytelling and continuing education classes; 200,000 digitized items in their online collection.

9. To lead the Northern Illinois community in solving hunger by providing nutritious meals to those in need through innovative programs and partnerships.Feeds more than 70,000 people each week; works in 13 counties; programs include Child Nutrition, Mobile Pantry trucks, and the Senior Food Program.

10. Grassroot Soccer is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges so that they can live healthier, more productive lives and be agents for change in their communities. Over 2 million youth in 45 countries reached through Grassroot Soccer programs; 82% of GRS coaches in South Africa go on to further employment, education, or training; 100% reduction in positive drug testing during a 10-week young men's soccer league.

11. To create compelling media that inspires and encourages you to have a meaningful relationship with Christ. 7 different radio shows; mobile app for easy listening; crisis intervention training programs; events such as the K-Love Cruise, Worship Night in America, and the K-Love Fan Awards.

12. Since 1989, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has used the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. Issue areas include trade, toxics, human rights, forests, extractives, and the climate.

13. The Southern Environmental Law Center uses the power of the law to champion the environment of the Southeast. Cleaning 64 Million tons of coal ash; prevented offshore drilling in VA, NC, SC, and GA; successfully challenged dozens of ill-conceived road projects.

14. Village Enterprise’s mission is to end extreme poverty in rural Africa through entrepreneurship and innovation. 850,000 total lives impacted; over 39,000 businesses started; over 156,000 East Africans trained.

15. As a ministry of Jesus Christ, Light of Life will provide a home for the homeless and food for the hungry, and will build disciples for the Kingdom of God among the poor, addicted, abused and needy. Last year, 190,000 meals provided, 155 people sheltered nightly, 746 Thanksgiving dinner baskets provided to families in need.

Best Nonprofits by City

For jobseekers looking for organizations in a specific city, we've ranked the top three nonprofits to work for in New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in New York City

1. The Guttmacher Institute is a leading research and policy organization committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States and globally. The Institute produces a wide range of resources on topics pertaining to sexual and reproductive health and publishes two peer-reviewed journals, Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health and International Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, and the public policy journal Guttmacher Policy Review.

2. We make it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need, moving us closer to a nation where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. Teachers at 78% of public schools in America have posted a project on the site; over $600M dollars donated; 27M students impacted.

3. The Bowery Mission is called to minister in New York City to men, women, and children caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds, and to see their lives transformed to hope, joy, lasting productivity and eternal life through the power of Jesus Christ. Last year, The Bowery Mission provided more than 653,500 warm meals, 167,300 nights of shelter, 46,400 articles of clothing, 13,300 showers, and 1,300 onsite medical, dental and optometry exams.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in Chicago

1. Mikva Challenge develops youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society. 15,000 Students nationwide participate in Mikva programs each year; 83% of Mikva Summer Fellows report intention to contact and interact with their elected officials in the future; 93% of students from our Democracy in Action program report they can work with their peers to solve issues – vs. only 56% before the program.

2. The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization that provides insight – and influences the public discourse – on critical global issues. The Council is home to more than 60 fellows and experts who go beyond traditional thinking on foreign affairs to make new connections for policymakers and the public on issues such as global food and agriculture, cities, economics, energy, immigration, security, and water.

3. Our mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children. Signature prevention program Healthy Families America helps nearly 100,000 families a year; Pinwheels for Prevention campaign spreads awareness of child abuse prevention.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in Washington, D.C.

1. To transform aid and philanthropy to accelerate community-led change.Since 2002, more than $327M raised for 20,000 projects in 170 countries.

2. WOLA is a leading research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas. We envision a future where public policies protect human rights and recognize human dignity, and where justice overcomes violence.Projects include challenging Mexico on human rights, advocating for women incarcerated on drug offenses, and investigating abuses against migrants.

3. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.Helped to develop model building codes for new homes and commercial buildings, which have been adopted in the majority of U.S. states; assisting states with adopting and implementing energy efficiency policies and programs; more than 300 publications on energy efficiency topics.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in Austin

1. To prevent and end homelessness for people in Greater AustinIn 2017: 590 families placed in homes, including refugees and veterans; 67,729 lunches served; 459 refugees welcomed to Austin; 581 people placed in jobs.

2. To promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach.Home to 11 research centers, including the Center for Families & Children, Effective Justice, Energy & Environment, and Fiscal Policy.

3. Keeping families with sick children together and near the care and resources they need.In 2017, 868 families stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, 11,192 people received complimentary items from the Happy Wheels Carts, and 30,736 visits were made to Ronald McDonald Family Rooms.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in Los Angeles

1. United Friends of the Children empowers current and former foster youth on their journey to self-sufficiency through service-enriched education and housing programs, advocacy, and consistent relationships with a community of people who care.Serves 1,400 current and former foster youth annually; 97% of College Readiness students graduate eligible to attend college; 87% of Pathways alumni are in stable housing.

2. Increasing student learning by growing the number of families choosing high quality charter schools so that no child is denied the right to a great public education.Conducted research to demonstrate that California charter schools are providing good outcomes for their students; establishing standards for charter schools; ensuring facilities equity; advocating for state budget equity.

3. Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment.Has helped more than 58,000 people find jobs since 1984; In 2016, 2,492 resumes prepared and 2,280 practice interviews conducted; Participants increased their monthly income from work by 91%.

3 Great Nonprofits to Work for in San Francisco

1. EFF champions user privacy, free expression, and innovation through impact litigation, policy analysis, grassroots activism, and technology development. We work to ensure that rights and freedoms are enhanced and protected as our use of technology grows.Has won lawsuits against the federal government and the FCC on issues such as creativity & innovation, free speech, privacy, security, and transparency.

2. To prevent child abuse and reduce its devastating impact.In 2016: over 9,000 counseling calls fielded on the TALK line; 8,722 children received in-classroom safety lessons; 257 forensic interviews held at the Children's Advocacy Center of San Francisco.

3. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in low-income countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. 19,884 Literacy Program partner schools; 20.6 million books distributed; 47,780 girls enrolled in the Girls' Education Program.

How to Get a Job at a Nonprofit

Having relevant experience can sometimes outweigh a higher degree of education when it comes to getting hired at a nonprofit, although typically at least a bachelor’s is preferred at most organizations. Employees at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for example, have worked their way to higher positions within the nonprofit by starting out as program assistants or interns. Nonprofits look for people who are goal-driven, adaptable to change, and willing to learn from their mistakes in order to better serve others. Many are willing to move employees to higher positions within the organization if they are dedicated to their type of work.

Entry Level Nonprofit Jobs

There are many entry level positions within nonprofits. For example, The American Red Cross looks for medical professionals and disaster relief workers such as hospital services technicians, first aid instructors, and phlebotomists. Blood processing technologists are regularly needed and expected to perform basic processing and test procedures on blood products before distributing the blood to hospitals. Boys & Girls Club has multiple job openings throughout the year at their local clubs, including positions as grant writers, reading specialists, and project coordinators. People who start out in these entry-level positions may gain the experience needed to eventually work in management positions, such as the Director of Federal Grants or as the Assistant Director of Conference and Learning Events for Boys & Girls Club.

Nonprofit Tech Jobs

Both nonprofits with a focus on technology as well as non-tech organizations have openings for technology positions. Common job titles within these organizations include data analysts, system specialists, and project managers. For example, Sargent Shriver National Center for Poverty Law, a nonprofit based in Illinois, was recently seeking a technology systems manager who would be in charge of leading the implementation strategies for technology systems and is responsible for ensuring that all databases and computer equipment function properly. At the time of this writing, the Humane Society of the United States has a job opening for a senior web developer who is responsible for troubleshooting technical issues and maintaining web servers.

Nonprofit Accounting Jobs

Many nonprofits hire accountants to help with preparing a monthly budget and support the implementation of activities that would help the organization reach its goals. The Wright Foundation in Chicago, IL hires entry-level accountants with at least a B.S. in Accounting or Finance to prepare financial statements, communicate with clients, and run the billing department. ALTRES, a nonprofit based in Hawaii dedicated to hunger relief, recently had an open position for accounting clerks. Job seekers wanting positions in accounting must be familiar with using Microsoft Excel and relevant accounting software such as QuickBooks.

Nonprofit Marketing Jobs

Almost every nonprofit organization hires marketers, both to get the word out about their services and communicate the value of the organization to volunteers and donors. Email marketer, digital strategist, social media & content strategist, and marketing associate are common job titles for marketing positions at nonprofits. A bachelor's degree is often required for these positions. For example, Feeding America, a nonprofit dedicated to hunger relief, hires email marketing managers to be in charge of creating and executing an email marketing strategy that would increase the number of subscribers and donors for the organization.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness FAQs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness can be a confusing topic, but the most common questions are addressed here.

What is public service loan forgiveness?

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is applicable to people who are employed by a government or nonprofit organization. It forgives the remaining of the balance on government-backed student loans after 120 monthly payments have been made.

What types of jobs qualify for public service loan forgiveness?

Any government or nonprofit employee is eligible for public service loan forgiveness as long as they are working full-time and the time is not spent on religious or worship services for a nonprofit.

What is going to happen to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?

While the fate of PSLF is currently undetermined, students who take out loans for the 2018-2019 school year will be grandfathered in to the current terms of the program.

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References

Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Federal Student Aid. Accessed May 1, 2018. hhttps://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service.
Breaking into the Nonprofit Sector. Common Good Careers. Accessed May 1, 2018. http://commongoodcareers.org/articles/detail/breaking-into-the-nonprofit-sector-a-guide-for-recent-graduates.
Charity Navigator. Accessed May 1, 2018. https://www.charitynavigator.org/.
Glassdoor.com. Accessed May 1, 2018. https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm.