Find a Job You Really Want In
As we move further into 2026, the desire among younger generations to work for organizations that prioritize social impact continues to grow. A recent survey shows that a significant percentage of millennials and Gen Z workers prefer employment with companies engaged in philanthropic efforts. But what if you’re looking to take that passion a step further and work directly for a non-profit organization?
Not all states provide equal opportunities for non-profit careers. If you’re seeking to contribute to meaningful causes, we’ve compiled a list of the best states for non-profit job seekers in 2026. Here’s a look at the top ten:
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Maryland
- Vermont
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
You can find the complete rankings at the bottom of the page. But first, let’s explore what criteria make these states ideal for non-profit jobs.
How We Determined the Best States for Non-Profit Jobs
To identify states that are not only conducive to forming non-profits but also providing substantial job opportunities, we analyzed various metrics, including:
- Number of non-profit organizations incorporated in each state per capita.
- Percentage of workers in each state employed by non-profits.
- Unemployment rate.
We ranked the states based on these criteria, assigning points according to their rankings to create our index, with the highest scoring state taking the top spot.
It’s important to note that the “location” of a non-profit is based on where it is incorporated, not necessarily where it operates. For a clearer picture, consider the number of people employed by non-profits in that area. For example, New York has stringent regulations on non-profit formation, leading to many organizations incorporated in neighboring states.
You Can’t Spell NPO Without “Capitol”
If Washington, D.C. were included in this ranking, it would dominate in nearly every category. Approximately 26.6% of individuals not employed by the government work for one of the 8,132 non-profits in the Capitol. This figure doesn’t even include those in adjacent areas like Bethesda, Reston, Alexandria, and Arlington, which collectively house around 3,500 additional non-profits.
Typically, the highest concentrations of non-profits are found in state capitals, indicating a strong need for these organizations to interact with lawmakers and influencers.
And Then There’s the Exception: New York
New York consistently ranks as one of the premier states for launching and working in non-profits. With a population that supports a staggering 76,889 non-profits, it boasts a significant percentage of its workforce—18.1%—employed in this sector.
Interestingly, only about 20% of these organizations are located within New York City, highlighting the diverse opportunities available throughout the state.
The Non-Profits You’d Likely Be Working For
In New York, the American Red Cross stands out as the largest and most recognized non-profit. But what about the leading non-profits in other states? Spoiler alert: they are predominantly healthcare organizations or universities with substantial healthcare systems.
Across the board, the most profitable non-profit in each state tends to be either a healthcare provider or a major educational institution. If you’re aiming for a position in a large non-profit, consider pursuing a career in nursing or healthcare administration.
The Best States for Getting Non-Profit Jobs
| State | Rank |
|---|---|
| New York | 1 |
| Massachusetts | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | 3 |
| Maryland | 4 |
| Vermont | 5 |
| Maine | 6 |
| Minnesota | 7 |
| Montana | 8 |
| Rhode Island | 9 |
| New Hampshire | 10 |
| Connecticut | 11 |
| Wisconsin | 12 |
| Ohio | 13 |
| South Dakota | 14 |
| Iowa | 15 |
| North Dakota | 16 |
| Oregon | 17 |
| Delaware | 18 |
| Missouri | 19 |
| Hawaii | 20 |
| New Jersey | 21 |
| Illinois | 22 |
| Alaska | 23 |
| Nebraska | 24 |
| Colorado | 25 |
| Virginia | 26 |
| Indiana | 27 |
| Washington | 28 |
| North Carolina | 29 |
| Michigan | 30 |
| West Virginia | 31 |
| Kansas | 32 |
| California | 33 |
| Florida | 34 |
| Wyoming | 35 |
| Georgia | 36 |
| Arkansas | 37 |
| Texas | 38 |
| Tennessee | 39 |
| Kentucky | 40 |
| Oklahoma | 41 |
| Arizona | 42 |
| New Mexico | 43 |
| Louisiana | 44 |
| Utah | 45 |
| Idaho | 46 |
| Alabama | 47 |
| South Carolina | 48 |
| Mississippi | 49 |
| Nevada | 50 |
In conclusion, pursuing a career in the non-profit sector can be rewarding, not only financially but also in terms of personal fulfillment. With the right insights into the best states for non-profit jobs, you can take meaningful steps toward a career that aligns with your values and passion for making a change in the world.
Author
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
