How to Become a Financial Guru The Secrets of a Successful Sales Management Career Create Your Own Consulting Career See How Easily You Can Get an Online MBA Become a Bridal Consultant

Have a Heart for Business with Non-Profit Management

By Elizabeth Buckner
Learning & Life Columnist

You've paid your dues with 9-to-5 days and three-piece suits, and now you're looking to move up in the business world. Instead of climbing slowly up the career ladder you're on, why not take your know-how into the non-profit sector? A new era of philanthropy is bringing a wave of money and prestige to non-profit management.

New Age of Philanthropy

Recent partnerships between non-profits and businesses have brought vast sums of money and increased prestige in the sector, so this is the perfect time to make the switch. According to a recent article in Business Week, over the past ten years "charitable donations by individuals have grown by half, from $110 billion to $164 billion." This new era of philanthropy is characterized by an increased demand for accountability and results, creating great demand for managers with experience in business.

No Pay Cut Required!

Careers in non-profit management are not only enjoying a growing prestige, but rising salaries as well. A recent study by The Chronicle of Philanthropy finds that salaries in non-profit management increased by 4.8% in 2005, well above inflation rates. And the median compensation for non-profit chief executives was $327,575. Salaries are expected to rise steadily over the next ten years, as baby boomers retire and non-profits compete with businesses for talent.

A Career with A Conscience: The Hidden Perks

Making the switch to the non-profit world can have other perks as well, including casual dress codes and flexible schedules that are more accommodating to working parents. More importantly, you will have the joy of working for a cause you really care about.

More Degree Options than Ever

Traditionally, getting to the top in non-profit management came only from experience, but now, specialized degrees in non-profit administration are increasingly available. According to Joanne Fritz, author of Your Guide to Non Profit Charitable Organizations, "educational institutions are increasingly offering non-profit-focused graduate programs to those interested in following a non-profit career path." Many MBA schools now offer a focus in non-profit administration. With all these options and the possibility of a successful career that can make a difference, why not make the switch?

Sources

• The New Face of Philanthropy, Business Week Online
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy
• Fritz, J. Your Guide to Non-Profit Charitable Organizations

About the Author
Elizabeth Buckner is a freelance writer and current Fulbright grantee to Morocco, where she is conducting research on language education and the growth of English. She holds a B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology and Education from Swarthmore College.

More Business Careers Articles

Add to My Favorites

	Location: --- All Locations --- Online ------------------------ Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico ------------------------ Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory London Degree: --- All Degrees --- Associate Bachelor Master Doctoral Diploma Certificate Coursework Subject: --- All Subjects --- Architecture Arts and Design Beauty and Cosmetology Business Communication and Media Computer Culinary Education Engineering Health and Clinical Legal and Law Enforcement Liberal Arts and Humanities Other Science Social Services Travel and Hospitality Vocational/Technician Program: --- All Programs --- Accounting Administration and Management Communication Consumer E-Commerce Entrepreneurial and Small Business Finance Human Resources (HR) Information Systems and Technology Insurance International Business Marketing & Sales Real Estate

	A.A. in Accounting A.A. in Communications More Programs Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration Associate's (AABA) - Visual Communication More Programs

	Build your business career! Learn more about business schools and careers.