Blog Focus: Non-Profit Public Relations

Up until recently it has been my goal to work in corporate Public Relations, but as much as I loved the idea of working for a large company in a big city somewhere, there was something missing.  It wasn’t until working as an aide for a mentally challenged child through a non-profit corporation this summer that I realized that my real interest was in non-profit Public Relations.  I had previously worked for a non-profit corporation, Girls Incorporated where I was involved in running after school programs for elementary school girls.  I loved working in both of these non-profit environments; there was something special about being a part of an organization that dedicated it’s time to helping the community and others.  Throughout this semester I will focus my blog on the nonprofit side of public relations.

Non-profit corporations are organized for advancing public interest rather than for financial gain; any earnings that are made go towards furthering the corporation’s purpose.  Public charities are popular forms of non-profit corporations, where their support usually comes from the public, government or organizations formed to raise money. Private foundations are another version of non-profit corporations that have a major source of funding, and one of their main activities is making out grants to other charities.

One of the major non-profit corporations that exist today is Direct Relief International.  This non-profit corporation provides “medical assistance to improve the quality of life for people affected by poverty, disaster, and civil unrest at home and throughout the world.” (directrelief.org)  Non-profit corporations such as this one are put into place to better communities all around the world.  Direct Relief International takes pride in their employees; they describe them as being a “hard working” staff.  In 2009 they were rated 99 percent efficient for their fund-raising and in my opinion a major reason for their success is based off of how engaged the employees are in the corporation.  An employee for a non-profit corporation needs to be willing to contribute their time, talent and energy every day in order to keep the corporation running smoothly.  To work in a non-profit you must be passionate about your job and engaged in its mission, only then will your corporation reach its purpose.