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What you need to know before working for a not-for-profit organisation

This article provides an overview of what it is like to work in a not-for-profit organisation, including how roles are structured, funding realities and workplace culture.

It is designed for people considering paid roles in the sector and offers useful context for volunteer managers working alongside staff.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • provides context on not-for-profit funding and staffing constraints
  • supports clearer role expectations between paid staff and volunteers
  • helps inform workload and capacity conversations.

How to apply this resource

Useful when onboarding staff or volunteers who are new to the not-for-profit sector

Downloads and sources

More about the author

Online directory providing information and comparison of vocational education courses from Australian training providers.

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