Sometimes finding a rewarding job that can pay the bills can be difficult. Fortunately, The City of Brotherly Love has many opportunities to do just that. Nonprofit work in Philadelphia is not only in great need, but is also rewarding if you are willing to put in the work. According to the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Employment Report, an overwhelming 27% of all private employment in Philadelphia is nonprofit.
There are many organizations that have been created in order to cater to the needs of the community, and finding one that fits your goals can be difficult. Do you care about improving workers’ rights and raising the minimum wage? How about the well-being of stray animals or improving the environment? All of that is possible in the city of Philadelphia. Here are some of the best nonprofits in Philly.
qGivology: Started in 2008 by University of Pennsylvania students, Givology integrates web technology to connect donors to specific education programs around the world. By utilizing their online dashboard, donors can look at student or program profiles, and donate money directly to those programs or students. 100% of all the donations go directly to the program or child, so you know that your money is going to a good cause. Givology has donated over $300,000 to nearly 30,000 students and affiliate programs across the globe.
SPIN: No, not the magazine, but just as cool. SPIN is a nonprofit in Philadelphia that is dedicated to helping those with disabilities by improving their quality of life. Much of this comes in programs and by finding the disabled employment. SPIN is unlike other social services that place their clients into jobs. Instead of trying to find basic tasks that would regularly be associated with disability work, such as janitorial or stocking shelves, SPIN likes to try to find placement in community organizations or jobs of interest for their clients. This way, the person has a choice in their type of employment and can try to achieve something for the future. SPIN also offers a quality and competitive compensation package and benefits for entry-level placement counselors and has a variety of other jobs.
SEIU: The Service Employee International Union is a member based nonprofit that has over 2 million members nationwide. In Philadelphia, the local 668 advocates regularly on improving the minimum wage for their service workers as well as improving the conditions and quality of life for their members at the workplace. The union is comprised of a wide range of members including nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, nutritionists and those in the service industry.As a Organizing Director, the base salary is $60,000 a year plus benifits. Not too shabby for a nonprofit.
PAWS: PAWS is an amazing nonprofit that has been around since 1967 and has helped over 100,000 animals through medicine and procedures and has found over 120,000 animals responsible homes. PAWS also caters to the needs of low to moderate income households to have an affordable alternative to the traditional veterinarian. PAWS also regularly advocates and educates in Philadelphia neighborhoods so that owners of pets become more responsible owners and so that our treatment of stray animals also improves.
West Park Cultural Center: Providing both classes for adults and children within the community, the West Park Cultural Center is a great nonprofit to work for. It takes an active role in educating the community on initiatives that can better the conditions around their neighborhoods. By offering tutoring and GED classes for older people and an art and nature program for children it improves the neighborhood one mind at a time. Started in 2007 and servicing the entire community, West Park Cultural Center fills the gaps in the underfunded Philadelphia education system.
If you’re thinking about entering the nonprofit realm, keep in mind it is hard work. At the same time, it may also become some of the most important work you do your entire life. You are engaged, a part of the community, and making your city a better place to live.
