Top 12 Non-Profit Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the dynamic and impactful world of non-profit organizations, showcasing a unique set of skills on your resume can significantly elevate your candidacy. This article outlines the top 12 non-profit skills that not only highlight your commitment to social change but also demonstrate your capability to thrive in this sector, making you a standout applicant in a competitive field.

Non-Profit Skills

1. Fundraising
2. Grant Writing
3. Salesforce
4. QuickBooks
5. Volunteer Management
6. Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)
7. Google Analytics
8. Mailchimp
9. Canva
10. Microsoft Office
11. Project Management (e.g., Asana, Trello)
12. Conflict Resolution

1. Fundraising

Fundraising for a non-profit involves collecting financial contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations to support the organization's charitable activities, projects, and overall mission without expecting a direct financial return for the donors.

Why It's Important

Fundraising is essential for a non-profit as it provides the necessary financial resources to support and expand its programs, services, and mission, enabling it to effectively address and fulfill the needs of its target community or cause.

How to Improve Fundraising Skills

Improving fundraising for a non-profit involves several key strategies designed to enhance donor engagement, diversify revenue sources, and leverage technology for more effective campaigns. Here's a concise guide:

1. Enhance Donor Engagement: Build stronger relationships with your donors through personalized communication and acknowledgment. Utilize storytelling to connect them emotionally to your cause. Donor Engagement Tips

2. Diversify Revenue Sources: Don't rely on a single fundraising method. Explore grants, events, digital campaigns, and planned giving to create multiple revenue streams. Diversifying Fundraising

3. Leverage Technology: Use digital tools and social media to reach a wider audience. Online fundraising platforms can streamline the donation process, making it easier for supporters to contribute. Digital Fundraising Tools

4. Focus on Transparency and Trust: Clearly communicate how funds are used and the impact of donations. Transparency builds trust and encourages more generous giving. Building Donor Trust

5. Invest in Training: Equip your team with the skills needed for effective fundraising. Training in storytelling, digital marketing, and donor relations can significantly boost your efforts. Fundraising Training Resources

6. Monitor and Adapt: Regularly review your fundraising strategies and performance. Be ready to adapt based on what works best for your organization and audience. Adapting Fundraising Strategies

By implementing these strategies and continuously seeking innovative ways to engage with donors and stakeholders, non-profits can significantly improve their fundraising outcomes.

How to Display Fundraising Skills on Your Resume

2. Grant Writing

Grant writing for a non-profit involves the process of researching and crafting formal proposals to secure funding from government entities, foundations, or corporations to support the organization's projects or operations.

Why It's Important

Grant writing is crucial for nonprofits as it enables them to secure essential funding from government entities, foundations, and corporations, helping them to launch, expand, or sustain their programs and services that support their mission and benefit the community.

How to Improve Grant Writing Skills

Improving grant writing for a non-profit involves enhancing clarity, tailoring applications to each funder, and effectively communicating your organization’s mission and impact. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Understand the Funder: Thoroughly research each funder's priorities and guidelines to tailor your proposal. The Foundation Center offers resources to understand funders better.

2. Be Clear and Concise: Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. The Plain Language Association International provides tips on clear communication.

3. Showcase Your Impact: Use data and stories to demonstrate your organization's impact. Resources like Better Evaluation can help in effectively presenting your achievements.

4. Follow Instructions Carefully: Adhere strictly to application requirements. Missing details can disqualify your proposal.

5. Seek Feedback: Before submitting, have someone unfamiliar with the proposal review it. They can identify areas of confusion or improvement.

6. Continuous Learning: Attend grant writing workshops and webinars. Websites like the Grant Professionals Association offer professional development opportunities.

7. Practice: Like any skill, grant writing improves with practice. Analyze successful grant applications to understand what worked.

By focusing on these areas, non-profits can enhance their grant writing skills, increasing their chances of securing funding.

How to Display Grant Writing Skills on Your Resume

3. Salesforce

Salesforce is a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform that enables non-profits to manage their interactions with donors, volunteers, and clients, streamline operations, and enhance fundraising efforts.

Why It's Important

Salesforce is important for Non-Profits because it offers a customizable platform to manage relationships, operations, and programs efficiently, helping them increase their impact by streamlining processes and improving outreach and engagement with donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

How to Improve Salesforce Skills

To improve Salesforce for a Non-Profit, follow these concise steps:

1. Utilize Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP): Tailor Salesforce with the Nonprofit Success Pack, a set of managed packages designed specifically for nonprofits.

2. Customize for Your Needs: Configure Salesforce to match your organization's workflow and data management requirements. Use custom fields and objects for unique data.

3. Integrate with Other Tools: Link Salesforce with other tools your nonprofit uses. Explore AppExchange for apps designed for nonprofits.

4. Automate Processes: Utilize Salesforce Flow to automate routine tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy.

5. Train Your Team: Ensure your team is proficient in using Salesforce. Access free training and resources through Trailhead.

6. Leverage Analytics: Use Tableau for advanced analytics to make data-driven decisions.

7. Engage with the Community: Join the Salesforce.org Nonprofit Community for support, ideas, and networking.

By following these steps, nonprofits can significantly enhance their Salesforce experience, leading to better management, outreach, and impact.

How to Display Salesforce Skills on Your Resume

4. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is an accounting software designed for managing finances, including tracking donations, expenses, and generating financial reports, tailored for both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations.

Why It's Important

QuickBooks is important for a Non-Profit as it simplifies financial management, enhances accuracy in tracking donations and expenditures, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, and facilitates easy reporting for transparency and accountability.

How to Improve QuickBooks Skills

To enhance QuickBooks for a Non-Profit, consider these short and concise strategies:

1. Utilize Non-Profit-Specific Features: Ensure you're using QuickBooks for Nonprofits, which offers tailored functionalities like fund tracking and donation management.

2. Customize Chart of Accounts: Adapt your chart of accounts to mirror non-profit financial reporting needs. QuickBooks provides guidance on setting up your chart of accounts.

3. Implement Class and Project Tracking: Use QuickBooks' class and project tracking features to monitor funds by program, grant, or department, enhancing financial visibility. Learn how to track expenses by class.

4. Automate Donor Contributions: Automate the recording of donor contributions through bank feeds or third-party apps compatible with QuickBooks, streamlining donation management.

5. Regular Financial Reviews: Conduct monthly reconciliations and reviews to ensure accuracy in financial reporting, crucial for non-profit accountability.

6. Educate Your Team: Provide training for your team on the specific features of QuickBooks relevant to non-profits. QuickBooks offers a range of tutorials that can be beneficial.

7. Leverage Reporting Features: Generate and customize reports specific to non-profit needs, such as statement of activities (income statement) and statement of financial position (balance sheet), to better communicate with stakeholders. QuickBooks explains how to customize reports.

By adopting these strategies, you can significantly improve how QuickBooks serves your non-profit organization, enhancing financial management and reporting capabilities.

How to Display QuickBooks Skills on Your Resume

5. Volunteer Management

Volunteer management in a non-profit context involves recruiting, training, coordinating, and retaining volunteers to support the organization's goals and activities, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship between the volunteers and the organization.

Why It's Important

Volunteer management is crucial for nonprofits as it ensures the effective utilization of volunteer skills and time, enhancing service delivery and mission fulfillment while fostering volunteer satisfaction and retention.

How to Improve Volunteer Management Skills

Improving volunteer management within a non-profit organization involves strategic planning, effective communication, and the use of technology. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Strategic Recruitment: Clearly define volunteer roles and recruit individuals whose skills and interests align with those roles. Utilize platforms like VolunteerMatch to reach potential volunteers.

2. Efficient Training & Onboarding: Develop a streamlined onboarding process that includes training materials and sessions to equip volunteers with the necessary knowledge and skills. Resources like TechSoup offer tools and technology that can facilitate this process.

3. Effective Communication: Maintain regular, open communication channels. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams can enhance team collaboration and information sharing.

4. Recognition and Feedback: Regularly acknowledge the contributions of volunteers and provide opportunities for feedback. Implementing a recognition program can boost morale and retention.

5. Use of Technology: Leverage volunteer management software such as Volgistics or Better Impact to streamline scheduling, tracking, and communication.

By focusing on these key areas, non-profits can enhance their volunteer management practices, leading to increased volunteer satisfaction and retention.

How to Display Volunteer Management Skills on Your Resume

6. Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter)

Social media refers to online platforms like Facebook and Twitter that enable users and organizations, including non-profits, to create and share content or participate in social networking to engage with their audience, promote causes, and foster community support.

Why It's Important

Social media is crucial for a Non-Profit because it provides a cost-effective platform for raising awareness, engaging with the community, promoting causes, and mobilizing support through sharing stories, updates, and calls to action, ultimately helping to increase donations and volunteer participation.

How to Improve Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) Skills

Improving social media presence for a non-profit involves strategic planning and engagement. Here are concise strategies:

1. Define Your Goals: Clearly outline what you want to achieve (awareness, fundraising, volunteering). Buffer's Guide provides insights on setting social media objectives.

2. Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, interests, and behaviors of your target audience. Sprout Social offers detailed social media demographics.

3. Content is King: Create compelling, valuable, and shareable content tailored to your audience. Incorporate stories, successes, and impact. HubSpot's Content Marketing Guide is a great resource.

4. Use Visuals: Enhance posts with high-quality images and videos to increase engagement. Canva is an excellent tool for creating visuals.

5. Leverage Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. RiteTag provides hashtag suggestions.

6. Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, messages, and mentions. Engagement builds relationships and trust. Hootsuite's Guide offers tips on improving engagement.

7. Utilize Analytics: Monitor and analyze your social media performance to understand what works. Adjust your strategy accordingly. Google Analytics can track social media referrals to your website.

8. Collaborate and Partner: Partner with influencers, other nonprofits, or businesses to expand your reach. BuzzSumo helps identify potential influencers.

9. Scheduled Posting: Consistent and timely posting keeps your audience engaged. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite allow for scheduling posts in advance.

10. Advertise: Consider using paid social media advertising to target specific audiences. Facebook's Ad Guide provides a walkthrough for creating ads.

Implementing these strategies effectively will enhance your non-profit's social media presence, fostering growth and increasing impact.

How to Display Social Media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) Skills on Your Resume

7. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a free web analytics service that provides insights into website traffic and user behavior, helping non-profits understand their audience and measure the effectiveness of their online presence.

Why It's Important

Google Analytics is important for a non-profit because it provides insights into website traffic, visitor behavior, and campaign effectiveness, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize outreach, engagement, and resource allocation.

How to Improve Google Analytics Skills

To improve Google Analytics for a Non-Profit, follow these steps:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define specific objectives for your website, such as increasing donations, volunteer sign-ups, or newsletter subscriptions. Set up Goals in Google Analytics to track these actions.

2. Use Google Tag Manager: Simplify and manage your tracking codes and Analytics tags in one place without modifying the code on your website. Google Tag Manager makes it easier to track conversions, website interactions, and more.

3. Enable E-commerce Tracking: If you accept donations on your website, enable E-commerce tracking to analyze donation transactions and understand donor behavior.

4. Leverage Event Tracking: Track interactions that don’t involve a page loading, such as PDF downloads or video plays, to better understand how users engage with your content. Implement Event Tracking via Google Tag Manager or directly in your Analytics code.

5. Segment Your Audience: Use Audience Segmentation to analyze specific groups of website visitors, such as repeat donors or those coming from social media, providing insights into different user behaviors and preferences.

6. Utilize Custom Dashboards: Create Custom Dashboards in Google Analytics for a quick overview of the metrics that matter most to your non-profit, enabling you to make data-driven decisions faster.

7. Regularly Review Reports: Schedule weekly or monthly reviews of your Analytics reports to monitor trends, track goal completion rates, and identify areas for improvement.

8. Attend Google Analytics Training: Take advantage of free training resources or courses to better understand and utilize Google Analytics. Google offers Analytics Academy for users to learn at their own pace.

By focusing on these areas, your non-profit can significantly enhance its use of Google Analytics, leading to better-informed strategies and decisions.

How to Display Google Analytics Skills on Your Resume

8. Mailchimp

Mailchimp is a digital marketing platform that allows nonprofits to send emails, automate communications, and manage subscribers, helping them to effectively reach and engage their audience.

Why It's Important

Mailchimp is important for a non-profit because it enables efficient email marketing and communication with donors, supporters, and volunteers through customizable email campaigns, automation, and analytics to enhance engagement and fundraising efforts.

How to Improve Mailchimp Skills

To improve Mailchimp for a Non-Profit, consider the following strategies:

1. Segment Your Audience: Create specific email lists based on donor interests, donation levels, and engagement history. Mailchimp's segmentation tools can help target messages more effectively.
2. Personalize Your Emails: Use Merge Tags to personalize emails with the recipient's name or other personal information to increase engagement.
3. Optimize Email Design: Utilize Mailchimp's email design tools to create visually appealing emails that are mobile-friendly and reflect your Non-Profit's brand identity.
4. Automate Email Campaigns: Set up automated emails for welcome series, thank you messages, and regular updates to keep your audience engaged without constant manual effort.
5. Analyze and Adjust: Regularly review your campaign reports to understand what works and what doesn't. Adjust your strategies based on open rates, click rates, and conversion metrics.
6. Leverage Integrations: Integrate Mailchimp with your CRM and other tools used by your Non-Profit to streamline processes and ensure a cohesive data ecosystem. Explore Mailchimp’s integrations for suitable options.
7. Educate Your Team: Ensure your team is familiar with Mailchimp's features and best practices by utilizing Mailchimp's marketing resources.

By following these steps and continuously refining your approach based on performance analytics, your Non-Profit can maximize the potential of Mailchimp to engage donors and supporters more effectively.

How to Display Mailchimp Skills on Your Resume

9. Canva

Canva is an online graphic design platform that enables users, including non-profits, to easily create visual content such as posters, social media graphics, presentations, and more, using customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface.

Why It's Important

Canva is important for a Non-Profit as it provides an easy-to-use, cost-effective tool for creating professional-quality visual content, essential for engaging supporters, promoting events, and communicating impact.

How to Improve Canva Skills

To enhance Canva for a Non-Profit, focus on implementing features tailored to the sector's unique needs and limitations:

1. Custom Templates for Non-Profits: Design an exclusive range of templates for common non-profit needs (donation flyers, volunteer recruitment posters, and event promotions). These should be easily customizable and accessible to all non-profit users.

2. Collaboration Tools: Improve collaboration features to allow multiple team members to work on projects simultaneously, with options for real-time feedback and edits. This streamlines the design process, especially when working remotely. Canva Collaboration Features

3. Enhanced Accessibility Options: Ensure the platform and its designs are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This involves adding features like alternative text for images and ensuring all templates meet accessibility standards. Canva Accessibility

4. Integration with Non-Profit Platforms: Develop integrations with popular non-profit management software for seamless design-to-deployment workflows, making it easier to use Canva designs directly in fundraising and volunteer management platforms. Zapier's Canva Integrations

5. Educational Resources: Offer specialized training resources and webinars focused on design best practices for non-profits. This empowers organizations to effectively communicate their mission and increase engagement. Canva Design School

6. Non-Profit Discounts and Donations: Maintain or improve the Canva for Nonprofits program, offering free or discounted access to premium features for eligible organizations, ensuring financial constraints don't limit impact. Canva for Nonprofits

By focusing on these areas, Canva can become an even more valuable tool for non-profits, enhancing their ability to communicate, engage, and fulfill their missions effectively.

How to Display Canva Skills on Your Resume

10. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, designed to facilitate document creation, data analysis, presentations, and communication for organizations, including non-profits.

Why It's Important

Microsoft Office is important for a non-profit organization as it provides essential tools for document creation, data management, and communication, enabling efficient operations, professional report generation, and effective collaboration both internally and with external stakeholders.

How to Improve Microsoft Office Skills

Improving Microsoft Office for a Non-Profit involves leveraging its features and seeking cost-effective solutions:

1. Utilize Office 365 Nonprofit Plans: Microsoft offers special nonprofit pricing for Office 365, providing access to the suite at a reduced cost or free, depending on your organization's eligibility.

2. Optimize Collaboration with Teams: Enhance project coordination and communication by using Microsoft Teams, which is included in Office 365. It's a powerful tool for virtual meetings and document collaboration.

3. Leverage SharePoint for Document Management: Use SharePoint for creating an organized, accessible repository for your documents, facilitating easier collaboration and information retrieval.

4. Automate Processes with Power Automate: Improve efficiency by automating routine tasks and workflows with Power Automate, reducing manual work and allowing staff to focus on more critical tasks.

5. Enhance Reporting with Power BI: Utilize Power BI to transform data into actionable insights through interactive reports and dashboards, crucial for making informed decisions and demonstrating impact to stakeholders.

6. Access Free Training Resources: Microsoft provides free training resources and learning paths for Office applications through the Microsoft Learn platform, enabling your team to improve their skills and productivity.

By implementing these strategies, a Non-Profit can significantly enhance its use of Microsoft Office, improving efficiency, collaboration, and impact reporting.

How to Display Microsoft Office Skills on Your Resume

11. Project Management (e.g., Asana, Trello)

Project management tools like Asana and Trello are digital platforms designed to help organizations, including non-profits, plan, organize, track, and manage projects and tasks. These tools facilitate collaboration, streamline workflows, and improve productivity by providing an overview of project timelines, responsibilities, and progress.

Why It's Important

Project management tools like Asana and Trello are crucial for non-profits as they streamline task organization, enhance team collaboration, and ensure efficient use of resources, enabling these organizations to maximize their impact even with limited budgets and manpower.

How to Improve Project Management (e.g., Asana, Trello) Skills

Improving project management within a non-profit organization using tools like Asana or Trello involves streamlining communication, task delegation, and progress tracking. Here are concise steps to enhance your project management:

1. Define Clear Goals: Start by setting clear, measurable goals for your projects. Utilize Asana's goal-setting feature to align your team's work with your organization's objectives.

2. Streamline Communication: Encourage the use of Asana's communication tools or Trello's commenting and @mentioning features to keep all project-related discussions in one place.

3. Organize Tasks Effectively: Break down projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Use Trello's boards, lists, and cards or Asana's project templates to structure your projects efficiently.

4. Implement a Task Management System: Assign tasks clearly with deadlines. Both Asana and Trello offer functionalities for task assignments and due dates to ensure accountability.

5. Use Integrations: Enhance functionality with integrations. Asana and Trello integrate with various tools for time tracking, file sharing, and more, to streamline workflows.

6. Regular Review and Adaptation: Regularly review project progress and adapt plans as needed. Both platforms offer dashboards and analytics to track and adjust your project strategies.

Remember, the key to improving project management in a non-profit context is to tailor these tools to your organization's specific needs, ensuring that your team remains focused and efficient in achieving its mission.

How to Display Project Management (e.g., Asana, Trello) Skills on Your Resume

12. Conflict Resolution

Conflict resolution in a non-profit context refers to the process of addressing and resolving disagreements and disputes among staff, volunteers, donors, or stakeholders in a manner that is constructive, equitable, and aligns with the organization's mission and values.

Why It's Important

Conflict resolution is crucial for non-profits as it ensures harmonious relationships, enabling better teamwork and collaboration. It helps in maintaining a positive work environment, thereby enhancing productivity and the effective fulfillment of the organization's mission. Efficient conflict management also preserves valuable resources, such as time and funds, allowing the non-profit to focus on its core objectives rather than internal disputes.

How to Improve Conflict Resolution Skills

Improving conflict resolution, especially within a non-profit organization, involves a few key steps focused on communication, understanding, and mutual respect. Here's a concise guide:

1. Active Listening: Ensure all parties feel heard by practicing active listening, which involves paying close attention, acknowledging messages, and responding appropriately. Mind Tools provides techniques for enhancing listening skills.

2. Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication, allowing all parties to express their feelings and perspectives without fear of retribution. The Center for Creative Leadership offers insights on fostering effective communication.

3. Empathy Development: Foster an environment where empathy is valued, enabling individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. Greater Good Magazine from UC Berkeley shares strategies for cultivating empathy.

4. Problem-Solving Skills: Equip team members with problem-solving skills to find mutually beneficial solutions. The Mind Tools website provides a step-by-step approach to effective problem-solving.

5. Mediation and Facilitation: In cases where conflicts are complex, consider involving a neutral third party to mediate. The American Bar Association offers insights into how mediation can be effectively used.

6. Conflict Resolution Training: Invest in training programs for staff and volunteers to build their capacity in handling conflicts constructively. The Conflict Resolution Network offers resources and training tools focused on conflict resolution.

Improving conflict resolution is a continuous process that requires commitment from all levels of the organization. By fostering a culture of open communication, empathy, and mutual respect, non-profits can effectively navigate conflicts, leading to a more cohesive and productive environment.

How to Display Conflict Resolution Skills on Your Resume