My own professional journey began in the nonprofit sector, a field driven by purpose, community, and the ongoing struggle for justice. This sector is a cornerstone of our society, operating in nearly every aspect of life, from arts and culture to social justice and scientific research. In the drop down menus below, read more about my first role at Violet's Cupboard, an AIDS Service Organization and a few additional roles I've has during my social work career.

The Nonprofit Sector & Social Work

The relationship between the nonprofit sector and social work represents one of the most vital partnerships in addressing America's social challenges. This symbiotic connection has evolved from the profession's earliest roots in charitable organizations to today's sophisticated network of mission-driven institutions that employ millions of social workers and serve countless communities nationwide.

Historical Foundations:

From Charity to Profession

The intertwining of social work and the nonprofit sector traces back to the mid-19th century, when rapid urbanization and immigration created unprecedented social needs. The Children's Aid Society (1853) and Young Men's Christian Association (1851) exemplified early charitable responses to urban poverty and child welfare concerns. These organizations established the foundational principle that would define both sectors: addressing human need through organized, mission-driven intervention.​

The transformation from charitable work to professional social work occurred during the Progressive Era, with landmark institutions like Hull House (1889) founded by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr, and the Boston School for Social Workers (1904) at Simmons College. Mary Richmond's publication of "Social Diagnosis" in 1917 established professional casework methodology that continues to influence practice today. This professionalization occurred simultaneously with the expansion of nonprofit organizations, creating a natural partnership between trained practitioners and mission-driven institutions.​

The formation of the National Association of Social Workers in 1955 through the merger of seven predecessor organizations marked the culmination of this professional evolution. The organization's three core responsibilities—strengthening and unifying the profession, promoting practice development, and advancing sound social policies—directly aligned with the nonprofit sector's mission-driven approach to social change.​

The Contemporary Landscape:

Scale & Impact

Today's nonprofit sector represents a formidable economic and social force. With over 2 million nonprofit organizations as of 2023, including 1.48 million 501(c)(3) organizations, the sector has experienced consistent growth since 1998. The economic impact is substantial: nonprofits contribute 5.3 percent of U.S. GDP as of 2024 and employ 12.8 million people, representing 9.9 percent of all private-sector jobs.​

Macro Practice & Organizational Leadership

The re-emergence of macro social work practice has created new opportunities for social workers in nonprofit leadership roles. Macro practice encompasses "activities performed in organizational, community, and policy arenas" and focuses on large-scale social problems through interventions at community, state, and national levels. This specialization aligns perfectly with nonprofit organizations' systems-change missions.​

Social workers in nonprofit leadership positions bring unique qualifications to organizational management. Their training in human behavior theory, research methodology, and policy analysis provides essential skills for nonprofit administration. Additionally, their understanding of social justice principles and community engagement enables them to maintain organizational mission integrity while navigating complex funding and regulatory environments.​

The integration of micro and macro practice in social work education reflects the nonprofit sector's comprehensive approach to social problems. Successful programs bridge the perceived divide between individual service provision and systemic change efforts through community-engaged practice models. These approaches prepare social workers to operate effectively in nonprofit environments where addressing immediate client needs and advocating for policy change occur simultaneously.​

Future Directions & Implications

The nonprofit sector's continued growth, projected at 6% employment increase from 2024 to 2034, suggests expanding opportunities for social work professionals. However, success in these environments requires adaptation to changing skill requirements, with employers expecting 39% of key job skills to change by 2030.​

Social entrepreneurship represents an emerging trend where social workers create innovative nonprofit solutions to persistent social problems. This approach combines traditional social work values with entrepreneurial strategies, potentially creating new models for sustainable social change.​

The increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in nonprofit organizations aligns with social work's commitment to cultural competence and social justice. Social workers can play crucial roles in helping nonprofits develop inclusive practices and address systemic inequities within their own organizations and communities served.

Nonprofit Leaders