Set up Idealist (volunteers & nonprofit jobs)

Personal setupSocial Presence · about 10 min · Charity applicants and founders

Setting this up for your organization?Post your charity’s opportunities on Idealist

Idealist is where people find nonprofit volunteer opportunities and jobs. Experiencing it from the volunteer’s side first helps you post effective opportunities later.

Learn it as a volunteer before you post as an organization

Set up a personal account and browse as someone looking to help. Understanding what makes a volunteer opportunity appealing is exactly what you’ll need when your charity posts its own listings later — with FFC’s help.

  1. 1

    Create your account

    Go to idealist.org and sign up with your real name and email.

  2. 2

    Explore charities like yours

    Search opportunities near you and in your cause area to see how charities describe their work and ask for help.

  3. 3

    Note what good listings look like

    Save a couple of strong examples. When your charity is up and running, you’ll post opportunities the same way — FFC can help you create the organization’s listing later.

Common questions

Will I post my charity’s volunteer roles here now?

Not yet. For now you’re learning the volunteer’s side. Once your charity is running, FFC can help you create the organization’s listings so they attract the right people.

How is Idealist different from Taproot?

Idealist covers general nonprofit volunteering and jobs; Taproot focuses on skills-based, pro-bono projects (design, marketing, consulting). FFC has you try both so you understand each channel.

Next setup guides

Candid (GuideStar)Social PresenceTaprootSocial Presence

Stuck on any step? Text Clarke Moyer at (520) 222-8104 — every step is meant to be simple, so if something doesn't match what you see, ask.