In every State these types of organizations are working to better their communities by directly addressing issues of public concern through service, independent action, or civic engagement. These organizations span the political spectrum of ideas and encompass every aspect of human endeavor, from symphonies to little leagues, and from homeless shelters and day care centers to natural resource conservation advocates. These organizations are collectively called “nonprofits,” a name that is used to describe institutions and organizations that are neither government nor business. Other names often used include the not-for-profit sector, the third sector, the independent sector, the philanthropic sector, the voluntary sector, or the social sector.

Hours: In 2006, about three-fourths of the workers in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations worked full time; the remainder worked part-time or variable schedules.

Opportunities: About 74 percent of them were in civic and social organizations or professional and similar organizations.

Pay:   Earnings of wage and salary workers in advocacy, grantmaking, and civic organizations averaged $15.81 an hour, compared with $16.76 per hour for all workers in private industry in 2006.

Training: Bachelor's degree and master's degree is helpful.

Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition , Advocacy, Grantmaking, and Civic Organizations, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs054.htm (visited July 28, 2009 ).