A middle-aged woman helping in organizing donations for the needy |ImageFX

How to Get a Job in Philanthropy? A Practical Guide for Passionate Changemakers

If you’ve ever felt the pull to make a difference but didn’t know where to begin, this guide shows you exactly how to get a job in philanthropy with heart and purpose.

If you’re wondering how to get a job in philanthropy, you’re not alone. Many people today want more than just a paycheck. They want a sense of purpose. If you are one of these people, whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned philanthropist, you can always get a job in philanthropy and help people in need. However, gaining entry into this field requires more than just goodwill. As a philanthropist, you must have the strategy, insight, and, most importantly, the passion to help people in need.

Inspired by Giving: Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson’s Insightful Perspective

“Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich” by Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson is a valuable resource that offers a compelling perspective on the power of giving. It will give you an idea of how to get a job in philanthropy. This book aims to empower individuals who want to contribute to the world, regardless of their income bracket.  

Through inspiring stories of notable people, Dr. Gitelson helps uncover the myth that philanthropy is only for billionaires. The power of giving should come from one’s passion, empathy, and the desire to make a difference. Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich is filled with real-life examples of ordinary people stepping into extraordinary roles in the nonprofit and philanthropic field. These individuals were driven by passion, not wealth.

Understanding the Field of Philanthropic Careers

If you are interested in how to get a job in philanthropy, you must first understand what this field is about. Philanthropy encompasses a diverse range of job types, from program officers at foundations to grant writers, researchers, policy analysts, and outreach coordinators. Many of these roles exist within charitable foundations, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and even corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments.

You don’t necessarily have to work for a large foundation. Many roles exist in smaller, community-based nonprofits, providing hands-on experience with the people and causes you care about.

Start with Your “Why”

Before you enter the world of philanthropy, make sure to update your resume. Take a step back and evaluate yourself. What is your motive? Why do you want to do this?

Philanthropy is values-driven. This field doesn’t just look at your skill sets. Instead, the hiring managers will seek those whose objectives would align with the organization’s mission.

The following questions will help you assess yourself:

• What social issue moves me deeply?
• Am I more energized by direct service, research, policy, or fundraising?
• What experience or knowledge do I already have that can serve others?
• This self-awareness is often what distinguishes strong candidates from others.

Education and Skill Sets That Help

Philanthropy does not require a specific degree to pursue jobs in this field. However, the following degrees would help you get closer to landing a job that focuses on philanthropy:

• Social work
• Public administration
• International relations
• Nonprofit management
• Communications or marketing

As a promising philanthropist, you must also possess the following highly valued skills, or at least the eagerness to learn them, which are highly valued.

• Grant writing and fundraising
• Strategic planning
• Community organizing
• Data analysis and program evaluation
• Clear written and verbal communication

Volunteering is often the best classroom. Many professionals get a job in philanthropy after proving their commitment through consistent volunteer work or internships. If you’re early in your career, these entry-level roles in nonprofits can open doors and help you build a strong portfolio.

Where to Look: Job Boards and Beyond

Many jobs in this field aren’t advertised in traditional corporate channels. Consider these niche job boards:

• Idealist.org
• Philanthropy News Digest (PND)
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy
• Devex (for international philanthropy)
• Foundation List

Don’t overlook the power of informational interviews. Reach out to professionals whose careers you admire and ask if they’d be willing to share their journey. With this, you can help yourself get a mentor or adviser when it comes to helping a charitable organization.

Build Your Network with Intention

When working in the field of philanthropy, it is essential to recognize that this is more of a relational discipline than a transactional one. Yes, philanthropy is a discipline that creates a network for helping people. Hiring managers would most likely choose those whom they can trust. As someone interested in securing the job, you should strengthen your relationships with individuals connected to other charities or who have access to additional learning opportunities, such as webinars, nonprofit meetups, or fundraising events.

One practical tip: When reaching out, don’t just ask for a job; instead, ask about the company’s culture and values. Ask for advice, feedback, or a quick Zoom coffee. Most people are happy to help when approached with respect and authenticity.

Customize Your Application for Every Role

Generic cover letters won’t cut it. To get a job in philanthropy, your application must reflect a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and how your background aligns with it.

Highlight relevant experience—whether it’s a successful school fundraiser you led, a grant proposal you helped write, a social media campaign you ran, or a community initiative.

Tailor your resume by using keywords from the job description and showing measurable results wherever possible.

Be Prepared to Start Small (and Grow)

If you’re wondering how to break into philanthropy, don’t be afraid to start small. Entry-level roles or contract positions often lead to full-time opportunities. Even administrative roles in foundations can give you valuable exposure and a foot in the door.

Persistence is key. Many philanthropic careers evolve organically through a mix of passion projects, volunteering, and paid work.

Embrace the Broader Ecosystem of Giving

As a promising philanthropist, you must remember that the field of philanthropy is part of a larger body, including education, social enterprise, advocacy, and community development. Your job at a mission-driven business, public health nonprofit, and even a school district is all connected to your philanthropic journey.

Final Thought: A Career That Aligns with Your Values

Choosing a career in philanthropy means aligning your skills and time with your values. It means waking up each day knowing that your work contributes to something larger than yourself.

As Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson so passionately explains in Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich, the act of giving—whether through money, time, or talent—is available to all of us. That same mindset applies to your job search. You don’t need to be a millionaire to make a difference. You just need to show up, stay curious, and remain committed.

Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson is an active philanthropist who helps homeless people get back on their feet through Uplift. Uplift is a San Diego-based charitable organization that provides assistance to homeless individuals and academically advanced students from low-income households. When you buy a copy of Dr. Gitelson’s book, 100% of the proceeds go to the charity.

Let us help the Golden One (Susan Aurelia Gitelson) share the book with purpose and show how to have a meaningful life.

Get a copy of Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson’s Giving is Not Just for the Very Rich today!