Much like comparing a small business to a corporation employing hundreds of people, grassroots, and large nonprofits both have advantages and disadvantages. The larger the nonprofit, the greater the opportunities for advancement whereby grassroot organizations do not have the same infrastructure or capacity for advancement.
Consider these strategies to increase the likelihood of advancement regardless of the size:
- Be proactive. Seek out opportunities to learn new skills. If you are a program staff, consider how you might partner with the development department to learn about prospect research, grant opportunities, including how to write a grant, and what happens after a grant is awarded. Most grants require periodic reports; inquiring if you can assist by responding to program related questions is a good strategy to understand what is important to funders and key messages to include in reports.
- Seize opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Nonprofit programs and certifications abound!! By taking advantage of these programs, not only are you expanding your knowledge base and skill sets, you are also learning what resonates with you and what does not. This is valuable information that can be a tremendous asset when charting your career path. Furthermore, your initiative will leave a favorable impression. Identifying nonprofit professionals who are willing to meet for informational interviews is another way to learn about the different types of roles and organizations and on a more personal note, their career progression.
- See the big picture. I started my career in juvenile justice and “morphed” into the nonprofit sector by leading an effort to create an adolescent shelter in a large Metro Atlanta county. At the time I had no idea or intention to serve as the executive director, however, when that door opened, I walked through it. While I had much to learn and was clearly out of my comfort zone when it came to nonprofit administration, I was able to connect the dots and see how my former training had well prepared me for this moment. I will forever be grateful for that circular path.
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, 92% percent of nonprofits have budgets under a million dollars therefore it will be important for you to assess the pros and cons of smaller vs. larger nonprofits. A smaller nonprofit can offer opportunities to develop a diverse set of skills due to their “all hands on deck” .culture This can be rewarding as you learn how to pivot and adapt to rapidly changing environments with fewer resources, a highly valued skill in any work environment, to frustrating and disheartening when budget constraints impact the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission. Conversely, large nonprofits offer more specialized positions and you may find yourself working in a silo. In the long run, it is all learning and by applying the strategies above and others, you will be able to chart a nonprofit career path that is impactful, fulfilling, and dynamic.
What size nonprofit appeals to you and why?