Nonprofit work is very unique work. What have you learned about how nonprofits operate this summer? What is something you didn’t know? What is something that has surprised you?
Coming into this summer, I simply understood nonprofits to be organizations that seek to do good in this world rather than to earn profit for its owners. After engaging with people who work for nonprofits, I have gained a deeper understanding of what makes them so special. In order for nonprofits to thrive, it takes immensely driven, selfless people who are committed to producing greater social benefits to run these organizations. Several staff members at nonprofits that I conversed with have expressed feelings of being overworked and under-resourced at times, but still take on such grand roles because they are passionate and thrilled to serve their communities. I find it both surprising and inspiring that nonprofit work is so rewarding that it combats any potential burnout that may result from the strenuous efforts it requires.
Something else that I have learned is the great advantages that can come from partnerships between nonprofits and businesses. While I initially thought of the two as completely separate entities, it has become more apparent that there is a lot they can offer each other. A connection between a nonprofit and a business can be beneficial through improved reputation, increased audience, and boosted morale among staff and company members. Communities are also benefited since awareness is raised surrounding their most prevalent issues and nonprofits become equipped with more resources to address these societal problems. Ultimately, the interconnectedness that nonprofits can bring about in a community makes their presence both crucial and powerful to a city's development.
Coming into this summer, I simply understood nonprofits to be organizations that seek to do good in this world rather than to earn profit for its owners. After engaging with people who work for nonprofits, I have gained a deeper understanding of what makes them so special. In order for nonprofits to thrive, it takes immensely driven, selfless people who are committed to producing greater social benefits to run these organizations. Several staff members at nonprofits that I conversed with have expressed feelings of being overworked and under-resourced at times, but still take on such grand roles because they are passionate and thrilled to serve their communities. I find it both surprising and inspiring that nonprofit work is so rewarding that it combats any potential burnout that may result from the strenuous efforts it requires.
Something else that I have learned is the great advantages that can come from partnerships between nonprofits and businesses. While I initially thought of the two as completely separate entities, it has become more apparent that there is a lot they can offer each other. A connection between a nonprofit and a business can be beneficial through improved reputation, increased audience, and boosted morale among staff and company members. Communities are also benefited since awareness is raised surrounding their most prevalent issues and nonprofits become equipped with more resources to address these societal problems. Ultimately, the interconnectedness that nonprofits can bring about in a community makes their presence both crucial and powerful to a city's development.