Charity & Not-For-Profit

🎗️ What's a charity?

A charity is an organisation that helps people, animals, or causes in need, using donations and volunteers. They focus on creating positive changes and supporting communities.

💸 And what's a not-for-profit organisation?

A not-for-profit organisation uses any profits to further its mission instead of distributing them to owners or shareholders. Their goal is to support causes rather than making money.

🤔 So what's the difference between the two?

Charities focus on charitable purposes like aiding those in need, while not-for-profits may support wider goals, like sports clubs, and don't necessarily have to be registered charities.

Sign Up Now!

Charity communications worker

Creates campaigns and manages social media, helping raise awareness about the charity’s mission. They ensure the public knows about fundraising events and opportunities to support the cause.

Charity helpline worker

Provides information and support to people over the phone or online, often assisting those in crisis. They need great listening skills and a calm, empathetic manner.

Charity volunteer coordinator

Recruits, trains, and manages volunteers who support the charity’s activities. This role is about matching the right people to the right tasks and ensuring volunteers feel valued.

Frontline/support worker

Works directly with those needing the charity's services, like offering care, guidance, or advocacy. This role often requires a background in social work, counselling, or healthcare.

Fundraiser

Encourages donations from individuals, businesses, or events to support the charity’s goals. Fundraisers need excellent communication and persuasion skills to reach donation targets.

Project manager

Ensures charity projects run smoothly, on time, and within budget. They coordinate people, resources and activities to achieve specific goals, like launching a new campaign or service.

Researcher

Gathers data and insights to help charities understand issues, evaluate impact, or develop new projects. Researchers use surveys, interviews, and focus groups to guide the charity's work.

💬 Communication

Clear communication helps charities spread their message, attract donations, and keep supporters engaged. It’s key to making sure people understand the charity's mission.

💚 Compassion

Compassion helps charity workers connect with people in need, providing empathy and understanding. It’s essential when working directly with vulnerable groups or tackling tough issues.

😬 Resilience

Resilience helps workers manage the emotional challenges of charity work, especially when facing distressing situations or setbacks in achieving the charity's mission.

✊🏽 Social conscience

Yes, it drives charity workers to make a difference, advocate for change, and support vulnerable communities. A genuine passion for the cause helps workers stay motivated.

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏽 Teamwork

Collaboration is key in charities, whether planning events, organising campaigns, or providing support. Working together ensures that everyone’s efforts contribute to making a bigger impact.

🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?

Yes, options include apprenticeships in fundraising, digital marketing, business administration, and social care. These allow you to gain hands-on experience while studying for qualifications.

🎓 Is uni an option?

Definitely! Consider courses like social work, international development, social sciences, or public health. Some universities also offer specific charity management degrees.

👨🏽‍🎓 Will a postgraduate qualification help?

Yes, especially for roles like policy advising or international development, where specialised knowledge is key. A master’s or PhD can give you an edge in these areas.

⭐ How can I stand out?

Gain volunteer experience, build strong communication skills, and learn about the causes you’re passionate about. Show your commitment and enthusiasm for making a difference.

What degree options do I have?

Social work, international relations, sociology, psychology, and media studies are great degrees for this sector. They teach skills relevant to many roles within charities.

What qualifications can I get through a charity and not-for-profit apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships can lead to qualifications in project management, fundraising, digital marketing, and customer service, helping you build practical skills while earning a salary.

Britain has 7 million charity volunteers

Yup, that’s right! This number only counts the ‘formal volunteers’ – those who’ve given their time at least once a month over the past year.

Charities raised a whopping £88 billion in 2022-23

That’s over £4 billion more than the year before, according to the Charity Commission. Talk about making a difference!

St John’s Ambulance is Britain’s favourite charity

According to a YouGov poll, 89% of people have a positive view of St John’s Ambulance. Everyone loves a lifesaver!

There are 170,000 charities in the UK

These charities are all about supporting everything from animal rights and global issues to mental and physical health. There’s something for everyone!

The UK’s oldest charity is over 1,000 years old

Meet the King’s School Canterbury, the oldest surviving charity, originally started in 597 by St Augustine as a monastery school.

Sign Up Now!