How do people who work for charities earn money?

Question

Well aren't charities non-profit organizations for the most part? So how does an individual who dedicates their time to charity earn money to pay the rent, the bills, and for groceries?

Answer 1

Charities pay their employees.  

If you're interested in contributing to a charity, it's a good idea to research what percent of your money actually goes to those in need, rather than to "administrative costs."

Answer 2

Working for a charity and volunteering for a charity are two totally different things! If you volunteer, you don't get paid, if you work for them, your pay comes from the budget. Most non-profits have an annual budget report, that is available to the public, this report allows you to see how funds are allocated. This would then show how much is actually used for the charitable work and how much is used to run the program.

I believe The Salvation Army is still pretty close to the top of the list for percentage of monies used in the field versus day to day operations!

Answer 3

when a charity is non-profit, that means they give all the money AFTER their operating expenses to others.  if you are the director of a non-profit, you will make a (usually meager) salary.  so after a non-profit's rent, utilities, salaries, etc., all of the remaining money is used for their cause.  you can probably see how this can get abused.

Answer 4

ALL charities have at least a few salaried positions, as well as volunteer. Just because they are not-for-profit doesn't mean they don't have money coming in.