• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Compliance and Risk
      • Finance
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • User Experience Design
      • Web Design
      • Building and Construction
      • Plumbing
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership and Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • MBA
      • PRINCE2
      • Product Management
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol and Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Training and Assessment
      • Manufacturing
      • Conservation and Land Management
      • Health Science
      • Horticulture
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty
      • Hairdressing
      • Lash
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Fitness
      • Health
      • Health Administration
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage
      • Mental Health
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports Management
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Retail
      • Travel and Tourism
      • Agile
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • AWS
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • CompTIA
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • IT
      • ITIL
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health and Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Marketing
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Queensland
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Short
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Bachelor
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Masters
  • Resources
  • Workforce Training
  • Contact us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Affiliates
  • About us
Homepage 
ResourcesCareers in AustraliaEducation in AustraliaHow to StudyStudy in AustraliaTAFE in Australia
  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Education and Training
  4. Everything Before Working For a Nonprofit Organisation
Published 10 Feb 2023

Everything Before Working For a Nonprofit Organisation

Avatar photo Rebecca Fox

Browse Courses Today!

Everyone knows about the importance of volunteering, but working for a non-profit organisation is not talked about as often.

Without people working in this area, there would be no way for these charities to run properly.

So, does that mean working for a non-profit is like volunteer work? Well, not exactly.

Here’s a rundown of what a nonprofit career entails, and whether or not you’re suited to the role.

So, what makes an organisation nonprofit?


A nonprofit organisation is one that doesn’t distribute any profits to any private individuals and has no shareholders. Their purpose is to serve the community in some form or another, though that doesn’t mean they are a charity. They can range from religious associations, art centres, or even sports clubs. However, just because an organisation is nonprofit, doesn’t mean that those employed there are unpaid. Nonprofit means no profit goes to the organisation itself.


Nonprofit vs for-profit


Now that you know what a nonprofit is, you may be wondering: what are the pros and cons of a nonprofit job overall?

Below are several areas that differentiate a nonprofit job with a for-profit one:


  • Getting hired

    Generally speaking, you’ll find more young people working for nonprofit, mostly because it provides a lot of entry-level jobs. More often than not, you don’t need a graduate degree to get yourself hired, though again, it depends on the organisation and the position you’re applying for. But compared to say, trying to get a job in a for-profit field, it’s much easier. Even if you don’t plan on working there for a long time, it’s still a good way to get work experience, which will be handy for your resume.

  • Pay and overall budget

    I don’t think it’s much of a surprise when I say that a nonprofit organisation doesn’t pay as well as a private company. Of course, the types of nonprofit organisations are quite broad, so there will obviously be differences between them. For example, you’ll probably get paid better working at a university than a charity like a soup kitchen. The same can be said about the budget. Since nonprofit get less money than a private institution, they’re more likely to provide you with an office that may not be lavish as one that a corporate job may offer.

  • Hours

    There’s a reason why corporate work is often labelled as the 9-5 job. But for a nonprofit job the hours are a lot less conventional. It’s likely that you may have to work in the evenings or on weekends, working on an event like a fundraiser. A lot of time, your hours won’t be consistent. If that sounds like a nightmare to you, then it’s best to steer clear, but you should also know that the unpredictability of it can come with a lot of different tasks that will test and challenge you. So, if you’re looking to move away from the daily grind and routine of a corporate job, then nonprofit work might just be for you.

  • The benefits of a nonprofit job in general

    While some of the above may scare you into thinking that you won’t get anything out of working in this field, there are a lot of benefits that nonprofits organisations offer to counteract these cons. Some but definitely not all of these benefits include healthcare insurance, plenty of leave, sabbaticals, and retirement plans.

  • How nonprofit employees feel

    This is a major deciding factor. Many people think about working for nonprofit because they resonate with the organisation’s mission. If that’s the case, then employees are more likely to feel fulfilled. With the right organisation, you’ll be able to use your full potential, and challenge yourself in ways that a corporate job won’t be able to. In a way, the benefits of working for nonprofit is very similar to that of volunteering, in that you get to contribute back to the community in a meaningful way. Also, if you’re thinking of starting up your own organisation in the future, getting into this line of work will provide you with an opportunity to learn the ropes.

So, in conclusion, whether or not you should apply for a nonprofit job depends on you and what you want.



  • Do you relate to the organisation’s mission closely?
  • Do you like doing several duties at the same time?
  • Does it work well with your skill set?
  • Will you get enough money?

If that’s the case, then you should give it a shot.

Working for nonprofit is a unique experience, and can provide you with a lot of joy if you’re passionate about the ideals the organisation stands for.

Browse Courses Today!
Avatar photo
Rebecca Fox
Rebecca Fox

Navigator Illustration
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
gator tooltip icon
Our course navigator helps refine thousands of courses into a personalised list that suits you. Click to answer each question, so we can provide you with the best possible courses, tailored to your preferences.
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!

Try our navigator tool and find the right course.

Start Here
Navigator Illustration

Latest Articles


Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)

High-income skills allow you to future-proof your career, making you valuable to any employer. Our d...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Nov 29, 2024
Read More

21 Legit Ways to Make Money Online Fast (& Slow) in 2025

Need to boost your income? We compare the best ways to make money online, short- and long-term, that...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Nov 26, 2024
Read More

Online Teaching Jobs You Can do From Home — No Degree Needed

Teaching is a rewarding job where you get to use your accrued wisdom and experience to help others o...

Avatar photo
Michael Yi
Oct 13, 2024
Read More

Want to Read More?


Free vs. Paid Medical Terminology Courses Explained

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to medical terminology. The language that doctors and oth...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Jul 16, 2023
Read More

The Top Careers That Earn Over $100K Without a Degree

People often think the only full time careers that pay over $100K a year in Australia require a high...

Avatar photo
Kristen Michaelides
Feb 1, 2023
Read More

What are Government Funded Courses? [FAQ]

Deciding to pursue a new career is an aspirational and exciting time. Whether you are a school leave...

Avatar photo
Candlefox
May 27, 2022
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.

By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
  • chevron-left
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Type
  • Popular Blogs
  • chevron-right
  • Community Services
  • Accounting
  • Animal Care
  • Aged Care
  • Child Care
  • Counselling
  • IT
  • Business Admin
  • Business
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Project Management
  • Marketing
  • Allied Health
  • Building and Construction
  • Fitness
  • View More
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate IV
  • Diploma
  • Short
  • Graduate Certificate
  • View More
  • 5 Low-Stress Jobs to a Create Perfect Work-Life Balance
  • 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Australia Without a Degree
  • 12+ Best Side Hustles in Australia: Money Makers
  • What Are The Most Enjoyable Careers? Top 12 Fun Jobs
  • 22 Jobs You Don't Need Experience For: Learn While You Earn
  • TAFE, VET and AQF – Acronyms in Australian Learning
  • Changing Careers Over 50: The Best Decision You’ll Ever Make
  • Government Funded Courses and Subsidised Training
  • Never Too Late: Studying at TAFE as a Mature Age Student
  • Study at TAFE | Guide to TAFE Courses in Australia
  • 35 Profitable (and Fun) Home Business Ideas You Can Start Today
  • The Top Careers That Earn Over $100K Without a Degree
  • Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)
  • What is TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
  • View More

Newsletter sign up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Courses
  • All subjects
  • Online courses
About Us
  • About tafecourses.com.au
Contact us
  • Contact
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Resources
  • Our blog
  • Workforce training
Privacy Policy Terms of Use
Certified B Corporation
Tafecourses Facebook Tafecourses Instagram
Certified B Corporation
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, tafecourses.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2025 Tafecourses.com.au
All Rights Reserved.

Newsletter Sign Up

We’ll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.

By downloading this template I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
Back to Top