New! Check out our podcast episode on non-profits from our Career Series

Nonprofit organizations are generally focused on the economic, social, and emotional well-being of individuals, families, and communities. 

If you want to influence positive change, support financial stability, and create impact in the lives of others, a career in the nonprofit sector might be the path for you. Positions may be found in hospitals and medical clinics, community-based organizations, and social/human service organizations.

What is Nonprofit Financial Counseling?

Nonprofit financial counseling typically includes one-on-one coaching, counseling, and group financial education. Nonprofit financial counseling is often embedded into or accompanies other nonprofit or government self-sufficiency or life skills programs such housing, veteran’s services, or workforce development. Depending on the goals for the agency, each financial counseling program may look different and is designed to fit the needs of the agency or community.

Nonprofit financial counseling may include:

  • Credit counseling
  • Housing counseling
  • Homebuyer education
  • General money management
  • Facilitating classes
  • Tax counseling (VITA)

 

Financial Counseling and Career Examples

  • Financial Coach
  • Financial Counselor
  • Credit Counselor
  • Housing Counselor
  • Financial Navigator
  • Financial Case Manager
  • Tax Counselor
  • Program Management & Leadership
Career Qualifications

Career qualifications may vary depending on the position and organization, but it is helpful to have an AFC, CFP or FFC. Depending on where you work, other qualifications may be required in the realm of social services, psychology or nonprofit management.

Nonprofit Compensation

 Compensation in the nonprofit sector can vary and may include:

  • Full/part-time (salary/hourly)
  • Contract work
  • Grant-funded positions

Pros and Cons of Nonprofit

Pros

  • Socially & emotionally rewarding
  • Community impact
  • Collaboration & community
  • Develop broad array of skills
  • Multi-generational impact

Cons

  • Emotional fatigue
  • Vicarious trauma
  • Must wear “many hats”
  • May take longer to see results
  • Funding instability
  • Modest (less than ideal) environment or working conditions

Thinking about starting a nonprofit?

Check out our Member Meet-Up: Thinking About Starting a Nonprofit? The What, The Why, & The How

Please note – Member Meet-Ups are an AFCPE Member benefit. Not a member? Join today! 

Nonprofit Resources

Nonprofit Professional Profile

Erin Akery, AFC

Erin Akery, MA, AFC®

 

Erin Akery is a financial counseling manager with the Nashville Financial Empowerment Centers, a partnership program between United Way of Greater Nashville and the Mayor’s Office that provides free, one-on-one financial counseling to Nashvillians. Erin has been a financial counselor with the FEC since 2013. Erin has a Master’s in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University and has been an AFC® since 2016.

 

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