The 7 Best Nonprofits to Work for Remotely

Do you want to make a difference in the world? The good news is that if you want a career in the nonprofit sector, you can still work remotely. Most recent attention regarding remote work has focused on for-profit companies. However, nonprofit organizations are also busy writing new remote work policies. Kevin Kennedy, Director of Career Programming for Idealist.org, a top website for finding nonprofit jobs, can see changes ahead:

“Jobseekers are increasingly looking for new remote work opportunities, and nonprofit organizations are noticing. Over the past few years, we’ve seen the number of remote nonprofit jobs on Idealist grow. From program coordinator, grants manager, to executive director, there is a wide range of remote opportunities available to social-impact professionals.”

Kevin Kennedy
Director of Career Programming, Idealist.org

So, if you’re looking for a way to contribute your knowledge and skills for the betterment of society, while still working remotely, consider this list of the seven best nonprofits to work for remotely.

1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Ranking first on this list of the best nonprofits to work for remotely is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This international organization helps nations develop sustainable infrastructure that is resistant to crisis and climate change. Organizational goals include eliminating hunger and poverty, improving human health, building education systems, solving water and energy issues, and more.

UNDP offers a complete and generous benefits package. The perks include progressive leave policies, flexible working arrangements, comprehensive health and other insurance policies, spousal support, mental health and wellness, and plenty of professional development opportunities. Scoring 4.2 out of 5 stars, according to employee reviews on Glassdoor, the UNDP is a popular workplace. Positives reported by reviewers included a supportive work environment, friendly staff, a worthy cause, and good salaries.

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2. Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers students from around the globe free access to personalized learning resources in subjects like math, science, engineering, computing, arts, humanities, economics, and finance. The organization also offers test prep materials and courses on college admissions, entrepreneurship, careers, and personal finance.

As one of the best nonprofits to work for remotely, Khan Academy values diversity, equity, and inclusion as necessary to achieve their mission. In addition, the comprehensive benefits package includes competitive salaries, health and wellness benefits, flexible time off, 401k matching, affinity groups, and paid parental leave. Glassdoor employee reviews give Khan Academy 4.2 out of 5 stars, with frequently cited pros including a positive work culture and good work-life balance.

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3. Wikimedia Foundation

The Wikimedia Foundation operates the widely known and utilized Wikipedia, as well as other free knowledge websites, such as Wikimedia Commons, Wiktionary, Wikinews, and Wikiversity. Their mission is to develop, operate, and support free, online, adaptable knowledge platforms that make sharing information easy and accessible.

High marks on Glassdoor, employee reviews place Wikimedia on our list of the best nonprofits to work for remotely with 4.1 stars. Pros listed by employees include a 100% approval rating for the CEO, great people, an important mission, and good benefits. Wikimedia offers a host of popular benefits, including health care, new parent leave, wellness reimbursement of $150/month, reimbursement for conferences and college/university classes, 401(k) matching to 4% of annual salary, over 45 days paid time off, and an equipment stipend.

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4. Per Scholas, Inc.

Per Scholas is a national nonprofit organization that prepares students who are traditionally underrepresented for careers in technology. In particular, the company partners with leading employers to diversify their hiring pools by connecting their students with new career opportunities.

Per Scholas promotes a welcoming environment for employees by offering meaningful work, career development opportunities, and a full slate of benefits. Most impressive are the 37 days of paid vacation offered in the first year, medical premiums starting below $20 a paycheck, and matching contributions to 401k plans up to 6% of salary. Glassdoor employee reviews give Per Scholas 3.9 out of 5 stars, with the top benefits including a great work culture and popular leadership.

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5. Teach for America

Teach for America is a network of individuals who teach in high-need schools around the nation. Their overall goal is to expand educational opportunities, strengthen communities, increase student standards, and pursue equity in academic settings. Their initiatives include Asian American and Pacific Islander Alliances, Black Community Alliances, Early Childhood Education Initiative, and LGBTQ Community Initiative.

This nonprofit is committed to empowering staff to pursue equity for all students while developing themselves as professionals. In addition, Teach for America is one of the best nonprofits to work for remotely due to a comprehensive compensation package. Benefits include generous paid time off, family and medical leave, comprehensive healthcare packages, and an employer matching 403 (b) retirement plan. These benefits are offered to both full-time and part-time staff members. Glassdoor employee reviews give Teach for America a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars. Pros listed by employees include great people and work culture, good benefits, working from home.

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6. TNTP

TNTP stands for “The New Teacher Project” and started as a group who placed teachers in high-need schools. It has since evolved into a respected organization that creates policy reports, helps school districts hire effective teachers, and measures teacher effectiveness. Furthermore, TNTP addresses school culture and leadership and partners with schools around the nation to support better educational opportunities for students.

In addition to its comprehensive benefits package, TNTP also offers a few additional perks. These include pre-tax commuter benefits, 100% employer-paid life and disability insurance, emergency childcare, and an adoption reimbursement benefit. Glassdoor employee reviews rate TNTP at 3.6 out of 5 stars. Frequently cited advantages to working for this organization include remote collaboration, the mission, and the benefits, specifically the flexible hours, good pay, and training opportunities.

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7. American National Red Cross

The American National Red Cross facilitates blood donation services and delivers training and certifications, including first aid, CPR, and swimming. Besides, they provide emergency preparedness, first aid, and lifeguarding supplies for training and deployment. The Red Cross Red Crescent team provides international emergency response services. These services help individuals and families recover from natural disasters, epidemics, and refugee migrations.

Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, the Red Cross also offers comprehensive benefits. These include health plans and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, employee counseling, service awards and recognition, 12 weeks of paid family leave, 401k with matching up to 4%, and access to online training. Glassdoor employee reviews give the Red Cross a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Pros frequently cited include the great people to work with, good benefits, and training opportunities.

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Search Virtual Vocations for Nonprofits That Hire Remote Workers

This list is just the beginning! Don’t see the perfect fit here? You can also search the Virtual Vocations databases. You will find a complete list of nonprofit organizations and nonprofit jobs currently available with thousands of additional options. Check back often as our team of experts screen and input new nonprofit job postings every day.

Which one of these nonprofits that hire remote workers caught your eye? Or if you’ve been there before, how do you like working in the nonprofit sector? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!