4 ways to use your networking skills to build connections in the nonprofit sector

Nonprofit organizations are built around missions that aim to create positive change in areas such as social welfare, education, and public health. These causes may resonate with you and inspire you to get involved and make a difference.

Photo by Claudia Raya on Unsplash

If you're new to the nonprofit sector, though, you might not know how to get started. Are you ready to learn the tips and tricks to build meaningful professional connections!?

Many jobs — up to 70% — are filled through networking, referrals, or internal hiring before they're advertised to the public. This is why knowing who to talk to is vital, and you can't connect with people if you don't know where to find them!

Here are some ways you can find the places and opportunities to connect with people in the nonprofit sector.

Events

In-person events are great places to meet and get to know people! It can be a community event, volunteer opportunities, or workshops organized by the nonprofit organization that you're interested in.

Online

Depending on your location, it might be hard for you to find in-person opportunities. Online platforms are great spaces to learn more about nonprofit organizations and find professionals working there. Try:

• LinkedIn

• Community Volunteer Connections

• Volunteer Connector

Groups

Join school, youth, or community groups, either online or in-person, and talk about what you're passionate about and why you want to be involved in the nonprofit sector! You never know what opportunities you come across when you share your passion with people.

Introduce yourself clearly and confidently.

It’s important that the person you’re speaking to understands who you are! In networking conversations, introducing yourself is more than sharing hobbies and interests — it’s also about showing how your education, experience, and skills could benefit their nonprofit.

Be curious about them.

Curiosity is a powerful networking tool. Before a conversation, try researching the organization or the person you’ll be speaking with. This can help you ask thoughtful questions and learn how they might support your goals. Here are some topics you can research:

• Event reports

• Impact reports

• About us

• Mission statements

Ask thoughtful questions.

In networking conversations, nodding and smiling aren’t enough. Asking thoughtful questions helps you show your knowledge, share your experiences, and create opportunities to get involved. Here are some example questions:

• What skills have been the most valuable in your nonprofit work?

• What part of your work feels the most meaningful to you?

• What’s been one of the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on?

It might also be helpful to review these tips on informational interviewing that the University of Toronto put together.

You made an impression on someone from the nonprofit sector — great! There are a few ways you can maintain this relationship:

Sending a short thank-you message after networking conversations shows your appreciation and leaves a positive impression. The University of Illinois Chicago has a great resource on what you can say in a follow-up message.

In your follow-up, you can ask how to stay in touch, whether by email, an online platform like LinkedIn, or scheduled meetings. Be clear about your goal —whether you’re seeking advice or sharing updates — so they know how to best support you.

Support from the community is crucial in the nonprofit sector, and it's a way for you to stay engaged in the industry! There are different ways to offer support. Depending on your capacity, you might volunteer, join a community group, or even make donations.

Networking skills are essential to finding new opportunities. To practice, help Katherine sharpen her networking skills!

Katherine is a university student, majoring in business, and she's interested in working for a nonprofit organization after graduation.

She found a local nonprofit organization, specializing in reducing garbage from the local beaches. She cares greatly about nature, so this is perfect!

She has done some research and found that they do a beach clean-up event once a month, and the next one is in a couple of weeks! She's decided to sign up and use this opportunity to connect with some folks.

How can she make the most out of this event?

A. Introduce herself to volunteers and staff, ask about their experiences, and show genuine interest in the organization’s mission.

B. Focus only on completing the cleanup tasks efficiently and avoid spending time talking to others.

C. Engage in conversations during breaks, listen actively, and ask thoughtful questions about the nonprofit’s work and impact.

D. Ask for contact information from the organizers professionally and send follow-ups to keep in touch.

Now you understand how to use your networking skills to connect with people in the nonprofit sector. It's time to put it into action!

Photo by Shelby Murphy Figueroa on Unsplash