The Rise of Remote Work in the Nonprofit Sector

A few years ago, remote work in nonprofits might have sounded like an afterthought, something positioned behind bake sales and community board meetings in the playbook of organizational priorities. But times change.

What nonprofits learned wasn’t just how to keep their teams functional while everyone Zoomed in from their kitchens. They learned that remote work could expand their talent pool, reduce operational costs, and strengthen their missions in a world craving flexibility.

Working remotely for a nonprofit puts you right in the eye of a space where passion, tech, and impact converge. But not every nonprofit is built to support you the way you’d hope. Luck favors the prepared. Here’s who’s doing it best.

The Best Remote Nonprofits Hiring Today

1. Wikimedia Foundation

If you’ve ever searched for information online, you’ve interacted with Wikimedia Foundation, even if you didn’t know it at the time. They’re the folks behind Wikipedia, an online institution that’s increasingly synonymous with “knowledge for all.”

Why It’s a Great Place to Work Remotely

• Fully remote workforce with flexible schedules.
• Commitment to transparency and global collaboration.
• Generous professional development opportunities and perks that reflect an understanding of life outside work.

2. DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose is where teachers meet grassroots power. It’s almost too simple: teachers need resources for specific projects, and donors help fund them. But doing simple right isn’t easy.

How They Champion Remote Team Success

• Remote-friendly positions with a focus on equity and inclusion.
• Deep commitment to work-life balance, such as offering monthly wellness stipends.
• Teams built with intention, not just convenience.

3. Kiva

Microloans are—surprisingly—big news, and Kiva has been quietly, effectively pulling global financial resources toward entrepreneurs and communities for years.

Remote Work Highlights

• Global impact, global teams. Remote work is baked into the DNA of Kiva’s model.
• Annual retreats for remote teams to realign, reconnect, and re-energize.
• Competitive benefits, from mental health resources to learning stipends.

Traits These Nonprofits Have in Common

What’s remarkable about these nonprofits isn’t just their ability to let people work in pajamas (although, we don’t hate that). It’s the intentionality.

Each of these organizations nailed the basics: a mission-forward ethos, respect for team autonomy, and excellent remote-first support for the tools we all know (but not all love). What pushes them into excellence is how they consciously build workplaces around trust, community, and shared purpose—even when distance can make that complex.

Core Considerations for Remote Roles

• Values-driven work: Employees who thrive here are deeply aligned with the mission.
• Global flexibility: Time zones become an opportunity, not a hindrance.
• Strong tech infrastructure: You’re more likely to Slack than suffer through constant email threads.