HACKER Q&A
📣 warent

Looking for software work in non-profit


I've been dreaming of applying my skills to working full-time at a nonprofit organization, but have no idea how to start. It seems like they're so difficult to find, and the ones that I do find just don't ever seem to need software developers.

Does anyone have a clue how I can be an engineer for an NGO? I'm particularly interested in causes helping children, but open to options. Even prepared to take a pay cut to fit modest budgets.

  👤 brudgers Accepted Answer ✓
[US centric] Non-profits usually hire consultants for bespoke software. It is far less common for a non-profit to have in-house developers. It makes more sense because software development is not central to most non-profit organization's mission and when bespoke software is wanted it is usually preferrable to earmark funds on a project basis. Fundraising is simpler: "we need $ for X." Projects also silo legal considerations: "a contract for X in exchange for $." Finally, the track record of a consulting firm is more likely to align with the needs of a project than a new hire.

There's also business relations. A consultant often has existing relationships with other non-profits and consulting staff often have relationships with non-profit leadership.