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3.2: Part II- Non-Profit Organizations

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    36410
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    Non-profit organizations are driven by a mission to serve the public good by providing essential services and benefits to the community. They are usually corporations known as 501(c)(3) organizations. The federal government gives these organizations a special tax-exempt status that allows them to reinvest donations and revenue generated through their mission-related activities back into their cause. For more on these organizations, see https://www.investopedia.com/terms/1...anizations.asp

    Non-profit organizations often have real estate interests related to their missions, such as providing affordable housing, conservation, or community development. Non-profit housing organizations acquire, develop, and manage affordable housing units for low-income individuals and families. Conservation organizations acquire and protect land for ecological or wildlife preservation. And community development corporations work to revitalize neighborhoods through real estate projects like affordable housing developments, commercial revitalization, or mixed-use developments.

    The work of non-profit organizations relies on a combination of paid employees and volunteer workers, and encompasses a variety of duties. For examples of finance-related positions, see https://www.investopedia.com/article...anizations.asp

    What is the difference between public agencies and non-profit organizations? Both non-profit organizations and public agencies are created and operated to serve the public, not to make profits. But, while public agencies are managed by the government and generally funded through taxation, non-profit organizations are managed by private individuals and are funded through donations or business activities related to their mission.

    Habitat for Humanity, a prime example of a non-profit organization, tackles social issues by building houses for low-income families. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has aided over 59 million people in 70+ countries. This organization goes beyond construction; it offers financing with little or no interest, neighborhood development, family finance education, and disaster relief.

    Other examples of non-profit organizations that acquire, own, manage, develop, and dispose of real estate are Rebuilding Together, Jamboree, and homeless shelters.

    Non-profit organizations acquire properties through direct donation, inheritance, and purchasing. Direct donation is specific property or money donated by individuals to their preferred non-profit organization. Donors can also designate that their property be left to non-profit organizations through a living trust or will. Donations to non-profit organizations offer dual benefits: tax advantages for the donor and the opportunity to create a lasting legacy that extends beyond a lifetime. Donations to non-profit organizations offer dual benefits: tax advantages for the donor and the opportunity to create a lasting legacy that makes a positive impact on communities and causes that matter and that extends beyond a lifetime.

    Real Estate Related Positions in Non-Profit Organizations

    Non-profit organizations provide not only paid jobs but also volunteer positions that provide valuable experience. Sample job descriptions for jobs with non-profit organizations are shown below.

    **Real Estate Development Director/Manager: Responsible for identifying and developing real estate projects aligned with the organization's mission. This role involves overseeing site selection, feasibility studies, securing financing, and managing the development process from conception to completion.

    **Property Manager: Manages the day-to-day operations of the organization's real estate portfolio, including leasing, maintenance, tenant relations, and budgeting. Property managers ensure that properties are well-maintained and meet regulatory requirements.

    **Community Outreach Coordinator: Engages with community stakeholders, residents, and partners to assess needs, gather input, and build support for real estate projects. This role involves organizing community meetings, conducting outreach events, and fostering relationships to ensure projects align with community priorities.

    **Housing Counselor: Provides guidance and assistance to individuals and families seeking affordable housing options. Housing counselors may offer financial counseling, assistance with rental applications, and education on tenant rights and responsibilities.

    **Real Estate Development Director/Manager: Responsible for identifying and developing real estate projects aligned with the organization's mission. This role involves overseeing site selection, feasibility studies, securing financing, and managing the development process from conception to completion.

    **Grant Writer/Fundraiser: Secures funding and resources to support real estate projects and organizational operations. Grant writers research funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and cultivate relationships with donors and funding agencies to secure financial support.

    **Policy Advocate: Advocates for policies and legislation that support affordable housing, community development, and equitable land use practices. Policy advocates work to influence government decision-making, shape public opinion, and advance the organization's mission through advocacy campaigns and coalition-building efforts.

    **Real Estate Analyst: Conducts financial analysis, market research, and feasibility studies to evaluate potential real estate projects. Real estate analysts assess market trends, investment opportunities, and risks to inform decision-making and strategy development.

    Real Estate Associations and Organizations

    Module 13 provides detailed information on professional real estate associations, which, like other professional and trade associations, are non-profit. The local REALTOR® Associations offer various positions that may require some familiarity with real estate but do not require a license. Depending on the size of the REALTOR® Association, various career roles at the local, state, or national REALTOR office have need for some of the following positions:

    ● Economic Development and Commercial Outreach

    ● Membership Data Coordinator

    ● Customer Contact Center Representative

    ● Meetings Coordinator

    ● Payroll Manager

    Other professional real estate associations may have volunteer or paid career positions at their headquarters. Some of these organizations include:

    Refer to Module 13, "Professional Real Estate Associations", for further information about real estate professional associations.

    Practice Zone

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    Go to the “Resources” section in this Module and click on some of the job description links to view the websites. Select two non-profit career positions and compare them, including their compensation amounts, job duties, city locations, and other factors.

    Sample Job Descriptions for Public Sector and Non-Profit Organizations

    From San Bernardino County:
    Real Property Agents II: The Real Estate Services Department (RESD) is recruiting for Real Property Agents II to support various areas of real estate operations. RESD is seeking real estate professionals with the ability to deliver projects in a timely and cost effective manner while maintaining customer-centric service. While the department seeks individuals with overarching field experience, the incumbent's primary workload will be focused on leasing and property management.

    Real Property Agents II are responsible for a variety of projects which could include: complex property management; commercial leasing activities; negotiation and acquisition of real property for public projects in the areas of both voluntary acquisition and eminent domain.”
    Source: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanbernardino/jobs/3366899/real-property-agent-ii-leasing-property-management

    From the Department of General Services (State of California)

    Senior Real Estate Officer (Specialist): “This series specification describes six Real Estate Officer classifications used to perform a variety of functions related to professional real estate services provided by the Department of General Services. General activities will include site selection, providing real estate expertise to the State Public Works Board, appraisal, acquisition, appraisal and transaction review, leasing both as landlord and tenant, sale, relocation assistance, regional portfolio management, project management, facility planning, and asset enhancement of real property, and the review of acquisition and leasing procedures and documents of all State acquisition agencies other than the Department of Transportation, University of California, and State Lands Commission.”
    Source: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/9594.aspx

    From the County of Los Angeles
    Real Property Agent I: “A Real Property Agent I is responsible for performing a combination of the following essential job functions: negotiates or assists in the negotiations with property owners, mortgage holders, executors, and/or their attorneys for the donation, purchase, sale, leasing, and management of real property and real property rights; prepares or assists in the preparation of data for acquisition, sale, leasing, and management of real property or real property interests; coordinates or assists in coordinating the relocation of persons displaced by public projects; negotiates or assists in the negotiations for the execution of deeds, quitclaim deeds, partial releases, partial reconveyances, and other necessary instruments; analyzes or assists in analyzing appraisals for the use in negotiated acquisitions, sales, leases or condemnation suits; coordinates, prepares, and verifies deeds, agreements, partial releases, and documents involved in condemnation suits and other related matters; drafts or assists in drafting recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for settlements; searches public records for information relating to condemnation actions, to secure information on land titles, and related appraisal reports; and works with County Counsel to obtain Orders of Immediate Possession and prepares reports to County Counsel.
    Source: https://ceo.lacounty.gov/real-estate-division-job-opportunities

    From the University of La Verne

    Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving: “Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Assistant Vice President, Planned Giving occupies a critical fundraising role at the university as the principal driver of the strategy and execution of the university’s planned giving program and gifting of non-cash assets. The incumbent partners with the President and Vice President of Advancement to secure planned gifts in the $1 million to $10 million+ range, leads the creation of a planning giving prospect pipeline, and is the expert for securing non-cash asset gifts. The incumbent is also an administrator, leading efforts in securing matured estate, trust, and life income gifts to the university and overseeing the Office of Planned Giving. The incumbent also serves as the public face of the planned giving program, presenting seminars, engaging professional advisors, attending events, conducting trainings, and partnering with on and off campus constituents both locally and nationally.” https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=7e9556bb4a7a8393&tk=1gcnhtsuih1gm800&from=serp&vjs=3


    This page titled 3.2: Part II- Non-Profit Organizations is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Regina Pierce-Brown.

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