Transform your passion for writing into meaningful work with nonprofit organizations, all from the comfort of your home. Remote writing positions in the nonprofit sector offer unique opportunities to create impact-driven content while enjoying flexible work arrangements.
Ready to start your remote writing career in the nonprofit world? Organizations across Canada and globally seek dedicated writers to craft grant proposals, donor communications, impact reports, and compelling storytelling pieces that advance their missions.
The nonprofit writing landscape has evolved significantly, with more organizations embracing remote work arrangements. This shift has created unprecedented opportunities for writers who want to combine their craft with social impact. Whether you’re an experienced grant writer or a passionate storyteller looking to make a difference, remote nonprofit writing offers both professional fulfillment and steady income potential.
Your writing skills can help organizations secure funding, engage supporters, and amplify their message—all while working from anywhere. With the right approach and dedication, you can build a rewarding career that aligns with your values and desire for workplace flexibility.
Why Nonprofit Organizations Need Remote Writers
Common Writing Projects in Nonprofit Work
Nonprofit organizations offer diverse writing opportunities that can help you make a meaningful impact while building your portfolio. Grant proposals are often the backbone of nonprofit writing work, requiring you to craft compelling narratives that showcase program impacts and funding needs. Many remote writers specialize in this area, helping organizations secure vital funding for their missions.
Newsletter writing is another common project, where you’ll share inspiring stories, program updates, and upcoming events with supporters. These regular communications keep donors and volunteers engaged while highlighting the organization’s achievements and ongoing initiatives.
Impact reports give you the chance to transform data and testimonials into powerful stories of change. You’ll work with program staff to showcase how donations and grants are making a difference in communities, using both narratives and visual elements to demonstrate results.
Donor communications encompass various projects, from thank-you letters to campaign appeals. You might craft email sequences, social media content, or direct mail pieces that inspire giving and maintain strong relationships with supporters. Many organizations need help creating year-end giving campaigns and monthly donor programs.
Website content and blog posts are increasingly important, as nonprofits work to establish their online presence and share their mission with a broader audience. This could include writing success stories, program descriptions, or educational content related to the organization’s cause.
Finding Legitimate Remote Nonprofit Writing Positions
Top Job Boards for Nonprofit Writing
Looking to jumpstart your successful successful remote writing career in the nonprofit sector? Here are the most reliable job boards where you’ll find quality remote writing opportunities:
Idealist.org – A comprehensive platform specifically for nonprofit positions, including many remote writing roles. Their search filters make it easy to find content creation, grant writing, and communications positions.
CharityVillage – Canada’s leading job board for nonprofit positions, featuring numerous remote writing opportunities. Many Canadian organizations post their content needs here first.
WorkForGood – Formerly known as TSNE, this platform focuses exclusively on nonprofit positions and regularly features remote writing roles across North America.
LinkedIn Nonprofit Solutions – While not exclusively for nonprofits, LinkedIn’s nonprofit section often lists remote writing positions, and you can set up job alerts specific to this sector.
ProBono Canada – A unique platform connecting writers with Canadian nonprofits needing writing support. While not all positions are paid, it’s an excellent way to build your portfolio and network.
Nonprofit Career Board – Run by the Nonprofit Network, this board frequently features remote content creation and grant writing positions.
Remember to check these boards regularly and set up email alerts when possible. Many nonprofit writing positions get filled quickly, so being among the first to apply can significantly boost your chances of landing the role.
Networking Strategies That Work
Building meaningful connections in the nonprofit sector can open doors to exciting remote writing opportunities. Start by joining online communities specifically focused on nonprofit communications, such as LinkedIn groups dedicated to nonprofit professionals or Facebook groups for cause-driven writers. These platforms often share exclusive job postings and valuable industry insights.
Consider volunteering your writing skills for small nonprofits to gain experience and expand your network. Many organizations welcome skilled volunteers, and these relationships can evolve into paid opportunities. Remember to document your volunteer work for your portfolio.
Attend virtual nonprofit conferences and webinars where you can connect with decision-makers and fellow writers. Many events now offer online networking sessions, making it easier to build relationships from anywhere in Canada. Don’t forget to follow up with meaningful messages after these events.
Make the most of professional platforms like LinkedIn by sharing thoughtful posts about nonprofit communication trends and engaging with content from organizations you admire. Comment on their updates and share their stories to stay visible in their networks.
Join writer-specific associations that have nonprofit divisions or special interest groups. These organizations often provide job boards, mentorship programs, and networking events exclusively for members. The connections you make here can lead to long-term professional relationships and referrals for remote writing positions.
Building Your Nonprofit Writing Portfolio
Building a compelling nonprofit writing portfolio is crucial as you build a sustainable writing business in this sector. Start by creating samples that showcase your ability to write various nonprofit-specific content types, even if you haven’t been hired for these projects yet.
Begin with grant proposals, as these are highly sought-after in the nonprofit world. Write a mock proposal for a cause you care about, demonstrating your understanding of grant writing fundamentals. Include clear objectives, compelling narratives, and well-structured budgets.
Next, develop samples of donor communications, such as fundraising letters, impact reports, and newsletter articles. Choose real Canadian nonprofits as inspiration and craft pieces that highlight your ability to tell emotional stories while maintaining professionalism.
Consider creating content for:
– Annual reports (focus on impact storytelling)
– Social media campaigns
– Blog posts about social causes
– Volunteer recruitment materials
– Mission statements and organizational descriptions
Pro tip: Volunteer your writing services for local charities to gain real-world examples. Many small nonprofits welcome skilled volunteers, and this experience provides authentic portfolio pieces while supporting worthy causes.
Organize your portfolio by content type, with brief descriptions explaining each piece’s objective and impact. If you’ve achieved measurable results (like helping raise specific amounts through grant writing), highlight these outcomes.
Remember to showcase your understanding of nonprofit terminology and sector-specific requirements, but keep your writing accessible and engaging. Include pieces that demonstrate your ability to write for different audiences – from donors and volunteers to grant committees and the general public.
Update your portfolio regularly with new samples and remove older pieces as you gain more experience. This keeps your showcase fresh and relevant to potential nonprofit clients.
Compensation and Career Growth
Nonprofit writing positions typically offer competitive compensation ranging from $25 to $45 per hour for remote Canadian writers, with rates varying based on experience and project scope. Entry-level writers can expect to start around $20-25 per hour, while seasoned professionals often command $50+ hourly rates for specialized content.
Career advancement in nonprofit writing presents unique opportunities for growth. Many writers begin with grant proposal writing or newsletter content, then progress to managing entire communication campaigns or leading content strategy initiatives. As you develop strong writing habits and gain sector expertise, you can expand into specialized roles like impact reporting or donor communications.
Success story: Sarah Mitchell from Vancouver started as a part-time nonprofit newsletter writer and now manages content strategy for three major environmental organizations, earning over $80,000 annually working remotely.
Additional benefits often include flexible schedules, professional development opportunities, and the chance to build a meaningful portfolio. Many nonprofits also offer long-term contracts or retainer arrangements, providing stable income streams for freelancers. While initial rates might be modest compared to corporate writing, the social impact and work-life balance make nonprofit writing an attractive career path for many Canadian writers.
Remote writing opportunities in the nonprofit sector offer a meaningful way to combine your passion for writing with making a positive impact. As you’ve seen, there are numerous paths to landing these rewarding positions, from grant writing to content creation and communications roles.
Remember that success in this field comes from a combination of strong writing skills, sector knowledge, and strategic networking. Start by identifying the causes you’re passionate about and building a portfolio that showcases your understanding of nonprofit communications. Join relevant professional groups, follow organizations that interest you, and engage with their content on social media.
Take advantage of job boards specifically focused on nonprofit opportunities, and don’t hesitate to reach out directly to organizations you admire. Many Canadian nonprofits are expanding their remote teams, creating fresh opportunities for writers across the country.
Consider starting with volunteer writing projects or part-time contracts to gain experience and build relationships. As you develop your expertise, you can transition into full-time roles or establish yourself as a specialized nonprofit writer serving multiple organizations.
The nonprofit sector needs skilled writers who can tell compelling stories, craft persuasive grant proposals, and create engaging content that drives social change. With dedication, continuous learning, and the right approach to job searching, you can build a fulfilling remote writing career while contributing to causes that matter.
Stay positive, be persistent, and keep refining your skills. Your perfect nonprofit writing opportunity is out there!