If you’re moving to Orlando, Florida, why not plug into the community by supporting some of the city’s fun and unique nonprofit organizations? In this post, we’ll spotlight some Orlando nonprofits you can support to make a real difference in the community, as well as provide an idea of what nonprofit jobs are available in the area.
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Nonprofit Organizations in Orlando, Florida
This is by no means a comprehensive list. There are so many more impactful nonprofits in Orlando, FL that are more than worth your time and attention. These are some popular picks dedicated to a wide variety of causes.
Global Peace 360°
Global Peace 360° is a nonprofit passionate about the power of film, facilitating an open dialogue to promote education, understanding, peace, unity, and to encourage community engagement. It attracts audiences from all walks of life, particularly appealing to educators, indie film enthusiasts, and those passionate about social issues and driven to make positive change.
Every year, they host a festival and film screening with in-person activities, including panels and activities, so moviegoers can engage with each other and the filmmakers. If you’re unable to attend, there’s a free online film screening too.
In Harmony with Nature Wolf Sanctuary
IHWN offers sanctuary for wolves and wolfdogs, as well as education on their care and unique needs. It seeks to provide animal rescues, deter the impulse purchase of wolfdogs and wolves in the exotic pet trade, and ensure they don’t end up in homes unequipped to care for them.
A Gift for Teaching, Inc
A Gift for Teaching is an Orlando nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and funding to public school teachers and students alike. The poverty rate for public schools in central Florida is consistently high. Many students lack the materials they need to succeed, forcing teachers to fill the gaps out of pocket. A Gift for Teaching allows these teachers to “shop” on their online platform, sending the selected materials for free.
The Russell Home for Atypical Children
The Russell Home for Atypical Children has been in operation for over sixty years. It provides a safe, nurturing environment for children with disabilities with a nursery, playrooms, and dormitories, all styled in bright, cheerful colors. For financial support, they offer a boutique and thrift store on the side and take donations from individuals dedicated to the cause.
Nonprofit Jobs in Orlando, Florida
“I’d say Orlando’s nonprofit landscape is prime right now. The key is that donor fatigue from recent years has actually created opportunity—organizations are desperate for fresh approaches that genuinely engage supporters.”
Chase Mckee, Founder & CEO, Rocket Alumni Solutions – Digital Record Board
From community development and education to environmental advocacy and health services, Orlando’s nonprofit sector is diverse and always growing! If you’ve got passion and drive, now is a great time to explore job openings at local, mission-driven organizations working to create positive change.
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Fundraising and Development
Fundraising and development primarily consist of grant writing and donor relations. This ensures that nonprofits remain operational and secure the funding they need to provide the services they aim to. If you’re good with budgeting and technical writing, this might be a good fit for you.
Public Relations and Marketing
Some nonprofits in Orlando, Florida offer jobs requiring outreach and communications. This usually entails social media management, content creation, or acting as a public liaison- answering questions potential donors or volunteers may have. This role is best for outgoing people passionate about clear, effective communication.
Event Planning
Event planners are responsible for scheduling and coordinating events hosted by the nonprofit organization, like fundraising galas or awareness events. The Orlando, FL nonprofits listed here have meet-and-greets, get-togethers, and movie screenings, all of which require lots of pre-planning and coordination to guarantee success.
Administrative and Operating Roles
These are more behind-the-scenes jobs that handle bureaucratic responsibilities like HR and responsibility delegation. Though unglamorous, these nonprofit jobs are necessary to keep operations running smoothly. If you’re organized, meticulous, and committed to the goal, you may find success in a position like this.
Volunteer or Donate to these Orlando, FL Nonprofits
- You can donate to Global Peace 360° to keep their film festival possible.
- In Harmony with Nature accepts donations and volunteers if you want to take on a more hands-on approach.
- To support A Gift for Teaching, you can donate money or classroom materials, in addition to volunteering to help the operations run smoothly behind the scenes!
- Russell Home for Atypical Children accepts donations and volunteers. Also, be sure to check out their thrift store and boutique!
Other Ways to Show Support
- A tried-and-true method is reaching out and asking what is needed. Sometimes, there are specific materials or resources an organization may need.
- Share information about upcoming events through social media and word-of-mouth. Engage with the nonprofit you want to support online through platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
- Attend what events you can! Like charity drives, galas, education and awareness outreach events, and more. All are important, and attending can help you build connections and show your support for the cause.
Conclusion
Orlando’s nonprofit scene offers countless avenues to turn your passion into purpose with important, mission-driven work. There are a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, from film and art festivals to animal sanctuaries and programs for teachers and children in need, all looking for support and dedicated volunteers.
What’s more, if you’re considering a career pivot, you can find jobs in the nonprofit sector tailored to almost every skillset and experience level, whether you’re social media savvy or favor understated, behind-the-scenes work. Start exploring today! You might just find the perfect opportunity.
FAQs
If you don’t have the experience to make a career in the nonprofit sector, you can always gain experience by volunteering with an organization extensively or taking on entry-level internships. It’s a good use of your time, and you’re contributing to the organization’s cause, regardless of the role you take.
A simple online search is a good place to start researching nonprofits. Their websites and social media profiles typically include everything you’ll need to know—from their mission statements to calendars of upcoming events to testimonies from those personally impacted by the organization’s humanitarian work. Other organizations, like food banks or local resource centers, may have information or pamphlets for related nonprofit services to hand out if you inquire about them. To find specifically nonprofit jobs, try taking your job search to Idealist.
It depends on what you’re most passionate about! If you liked Global Peace 360, you might also like the Orlando Film Festival or The Love Foundation. If you’re more drawn to helping animals like In Harmony with Nature Wolf Sanctuary, be sure to look into Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, as well as local humane societies and animal shelters. Otherwise, look for food banks in the area through websites like Food Finders. Almost all of them need food donations and volunteers.
J. Dailey has an English degree with a focus in technical writing. When not busy blogging, find J. Dailey hiking, playing tabletop games, or spending time with cats.
