Comments on: Can I earn a decent living if I start a non-profit? http://communitynonprofit.com/can-i-earn-a-decent-living-if-i-start-a-non-profit.htm/ Charitable giving through shopping in local communities. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:51:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2 By: Mel M http://communitynonprofit.com/can-i-earn-a-decent-living-if-i-start-a-non-profit.htm/comment-page-1/#comment-31395 Mel M Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:12:23 +0000 http://communitynonprofit.com/can-i-earn-a-decent-living-if-i-start-a-non-profit.htm#comment-31395 I recommend checking with other non-profits in your area which focus on domestic violence. Take a look at the most recent annual report and, if possible, financial statement. See how much it costs to operate this type of agency and ask yourself if you think you can raise enough money to fund one. Social service agencies are not known for high paying salaries. Heck, the whole non-profit arena isn't known for high paying salaries. Sure, there are places where you can make a good living and there are a handful of people who make very good money. Check out the "Chronicle of Philanthropy" which is a weekly publication about the non-profit industry. They do an annual salary survey which provides subcategories for the various fields (arts, hospitals, social services, etc.) and gives the average incomes. I applaud your ambition and desire to earn your MNM. It is not necessary to have a Master's degree to run a non-profit. Experience is more important. Many people pursue their dreams while they keep their "day jobs." You can volunteer at an agency that is addressing the concerns you listed. If such an agency does not exist in your community, see if there is one that works with domestic violence. Check with that organization to see if they are interested in working with teen age girls or sex-slave victims, and let them know you want to work on this type of project. If no agencies are interested, then you can start your non-profit in your spare time and see how well your community reacts to it. Keep your day job, though, until you see your non-profit in a financial situation to support your desired salary. Hope this helps. Good luck! I recommend checking with other non-profits in your area which focus on domestic violence. Take a look at the most recent annual report and, if possible, financial statement. See how much it costs to operate this type of agency and ask yourself if you think you can raise enough money to fund one.

Social service agencies are not known for high paying salaries. Heck, the whole non-profit arena isn’t known for high paying salaries. Sure, there are places where you can make a good living and there are a handful of people who make very good money. Check out the "Chronicle of Philanthropy" which is a weekly publication about the non-profit industry. They do an annual salary survey which provides subcategories for the various fields (arts, hospitals, social services, etc.) and gives the average incomes.

I applaud your ambition and desire to earn your MNM. It is not necessary to have a Master’s degree to run a non-profit. Experience is more important.

Many people pursue their dreams while they keep their "day jobs." You can volunteer at an agency that is addressing the concerns you listed. If such an agency does not exist in your community, see if there is one that works with domestic violence. Check with that organization to see if they are interested in working with teen age girls or sex-slave victims, and let them know you want to work on this type of project. If no agencies are interested, then you can start your non-profit in your spare time and see how well your community reacts to it. Keep your day job, though, until you see your non-profit in a financial situation to support your desired salary.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

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