9 Game-Changing Ways Networking and Freelancing Are Impacting Charities
- Brainz Magazine
- 23 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now, as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts, and helps launch successful careers.
In a sector traditionally defined by full-time roles, what happens when networking and freelancing enter the mix? The charity world is embracing flexibility and collaboration like never before. Gone are the days when making a difference was limited to traditional full-time roles within nonprofits. Today, more people are discovering flexible ways to contribute, with networking and freelancing emerging as key factors shaping the industry. As the demand for innovative solutions grows, the charity sector is increasingly adopting new models of collaboration, creating fresh opportunities for professionals eager to make a meaningful social impact.
A recent study found that 70% of charity organisations are now engaging freelancers to fill skill gaps. This highlights a shift towards more flexible working models. Networking and freelancing have opened doors for passionate individuals eager to contribute their expertise to causes they care about. Whether through building partnerships, offering pro bono services, or sharing ideas, networking has allowed charities to expand their reach and foster meaningful collaborations. Freelancing, on the other hand, offers skilled professionals the flexibility to work on projects that align with their values while maintaining balance with personal commitments. Together, these trends are helping to create a dynamic, vibrant sector that is more agile, inclusive, and open to diverse talent.
In this blog, we will explore nine ways in which networking and freelancing are reshaping the charity sector. From broadening access to new skill sets to enhancing collaboration among organisations, these shifts are making a significant impact. Whether you are considering a career in the charity sector or are already involved, these insights will give you a clearer picture of how the industry is adapting to meet the challenges of the future.
Embracing a new way of working
Traditional jobs are no longer the only path to a career in the charity sector. Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular, allowing professionals to offer their skills on a project basis without the commitment of full-time employment. Whether you are a marketer, fundraiser, writer, or event organiser, freelancing offers the freedom to contribute to multiple causes while maintaining control over your schedule. Freelancers can choose projects that align with their personal values, working with organisations that share their vision for positive social impact.
Networking plays a critical role in the charity sector. Whether you are working full-time, freelancing, or volunteering, having a strong network of contacts can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations. But how exactly do networking and freelancing come together in this space? Let us explore this further.
Networking in the charity sector
In the charity sector, networking is much more than making business contacts. It is about building strong relationships with individuals and organisations that share your passion for creating social change. Networking helps you stay up to date with industry trends, discover new opportunities, and find people who can support and amplify your efforts. It is about building a community where everyone works together to achieve common goals, creating a ripple effect that can lead to greater impact and success.
To make the most of networking in the charity sector, here are seven tips:
Attend industry events: Charity fundraisers, conferences, and workshops are great opportunities to meet people face-to-face and build personal connections. These in-person interactions often lead to more meaningful and lasting relationships compared to online networking. Whether you are learning new skills or making acquaintances, these events offer valuable chances to expand your network.
Join online communities: There are many online platforms dedicated to charity professionals, such as LinkedIn, forums, and specific networks. These spaces allow you to engage with others in the sector, share your knowledge, and stay informed about the latest trends and opportunities. Being active in these communities can help you connect with people who share your values and expand your professional network.
Seek mentorship: If you are new to the charity sector or aiming to grow your career, finding a mentor can be incredibly helpful. Mentors are experienced professionals who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate the sector. Their insights can help you avoid common pitfalls and provide valuable connections to enhance your network.
Collaborate and share resources: Charity work often thrives through collaboration. By connecting with others in the sector, you can share ideas, resources, and best practices. Building a collaborative network opens up opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships, grants, and larger social impact projects that would be difficult to achieve alone.
Leverage social media: Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn can be powerful tools for networking. By sharing content, commenting on industry discussions, and joining relevant groups, you can build connections with other professionals and organisations. Make sure to follow and engage with key figures and organisations in the charity sector to stay visible and informed.
Volunteer with other organisations: Volunteering for other charities or causes allows you to give back while connecting with like-minded professionals. This can help broaden your network while giving you valuable experience and insights from others working in the field.
Follow up and build relationships: Networking does not stop after an initial meeting. It is important to follow up with the people you meet, whether through a quick email, a coffee meeting, or a social media connection. Building meaningful relationships takes time, so nurture your connections by staying in touch and offering help when possible.
Networking in the charity sector is about creating lasting relationships and partnerships that benefit everyone involved. By connecting with others who share your commitment to positive change, you can strengthen your work, expand your opportunities, and make a greater impact in the communities you serve.
Freelancing in the charity sector
Freelancing is more than a career choice. It is a way to make an impact while maintaining the flexibility to work on your terms. In the charity sector, freelancing offers a unique opportunity to contribute to causes that matter to you, using your specialised skills to make a real difference.
Instead of committing to one full-time job, freelancers can choose to work on multiple projects across different charities and organisations while maintaining control over their schedules and workload. This kind of work emphasises outcomes rather than hours, allowing you to focus on delivering results that truly benefit communities and causes.
Freelancing in the charity sector is an attractive option for many professionals, and here is why:
Flexibility and autonomy: One of the most significant benefits of freelancing is the ability to set your hours and pick the projects you want to work on. Whether it is assisting with fundraising campaigns, writing compelling content, or helping to develop strategies, you get to decide the level of involvement. This freedom means you can balance your personal life with your passion for giving back to the community without being tied to a rigid work schedule.
Variety of work: As a freelancer, you will have the chance to work on a diverse range of projects across the charity sector. This variety keeps the work exciting and challenging, allowing you to continually develop your skills. Whether you are working with international organisations or smaller local charities, every project offers a unique experience and an opportunity to contribute to different causes.
Specialisation: Freelancing also allows you to specialise in a specific niche within the charity sector. Whether you are passionate about health, education, social justice, or environmental sustainability, you can choose projects that align with your expertise and values. This specialisation not only helps you stand out in the sector but also builds your reputation, making it easier to attract organisations that need your specific skills.
Impact without boundaries: One of the most powerful aspects of freelancing in the charity sector is that it removes geographic barriers. Many charities operate on a global scale, and as a freelancer, you can support causes from anywhere in the world. Whether you are based at home or abroad, freelancing allows you to make an impact on issues that matter to you without the need for international travel or relocation.
Freelancing in the charity sector provides professionals with the chance to use their skills to support meaningful causes while enjoying the benefits of autonomy and flexibility. It is a win-win. You get to work on projects that align with your values while making a positive difference in the world. If you are looking to combine your career with your passion for change, freelancing offers a way to do just that.
Combining networking and freelancing: A winning formula
Freelancing in the charity sector is not just about working independently. It is also about the powerful connections you can build along the way. As a freelancer, you will often collaborate with a range of organisations, allowing you to network with professionals from different areas of the charity world. This natural blending of freelancing and networking opens up opportunities to expand your professional relationships and increase your exposure within the sector. Every project you work on is an opportunity to meet new people, learn from others, and showcase your skills.
The beauty of combining networking with freelancing is that it enhances the impact you can make. By building relationships with people who share your values and goals, you can gain valuable referrals, advice, and introductions to other professionals who may be looking for your expertise. As you build your network, you will likely be recommended for future projects, expanding your reach and influence in the charity sector. These connections also provide a source of support, allowing you to learn from others, stay informed about industry trends, and stay motivated in your work.
Freelancing, in turn, allows you to demonstrate your skills and expertise, which can lead to more networking opportunities. The more you contribute to different projects, the more people you meet, and the more doors open for future collaborations. This creates a positive cycle. Your freelancing work brings visibility, which grows your network, and a stronger network leads to more impactful projects. By combining the flexibility of freelancing with the power of networking, you set yourself up for a career that is fulfilling and full of potential.
9 ways networking and freelancing are shaping the charity sector
The charity sector is undergoing significant changes, with freelancing and networking playing a major role in transforming how professionals contribute to social causes. These two trends are helping people share their expertise, build valuable connections, and work on projects that make a difference. Whether you are freelancing, networking, or doing both, here are nine ways these changes are revolutionising the charity sector.
1. Expanding reach through collaborations
Networking helps charities connect with potential collaborators, donors, and supporters. Freelancers, using the networks they have built, can join these collaborations, bringing their expertise to projects that extend the charity’s reach even further. This creates a cycle where both networking and freelancing build on each other to increase visibility and impact.
2. Bringing diverse skills to the table
Networking enables charities to meet professionals from various industries, and freelancers bring their specific skill sets directly into the sector. The synergy between these two trends ensures charities have access to a broad spectrum of expertise when needed, whether through ongoing professional relationships or short-term freelance contributions.
3. Flexibility and growth
Networking connects charities to skilled professionals, and freelancers provide flexible support, allowing charities to scale projects without long-term commitment. This cost-effective model helps reduce overhead while ensuring the charity’s needs are met. Together, networking and freelancing make it easier for charities to grow efficiently.
4. Driving innovation
By tapping into networks, charities gain access to a variety of creative minds. Freelancers bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions, and the partnerships they form through networking allow charities to implement new initiatives. This blend of networking and freelancing accelerates innovation in ways that traditional employment models cannot.
5. Building long-term relationships
Networking nurtures ongoing relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and volunteers. Freelancers who become part of these networks often develop a deeper understanding of the charity’s mission, offering a more meaningful and sustained contribution. These relationships can lead to repeat collaborations and consistent impact for the charity.
6. Tapping into niche expertise
Networking helps charities identify professionals with specific skills, and freelancers can provide this niche expertise when it is needed. Whether it is a particular fundraising strategy or specialised marketing tactics, the combination of networking and freelancing ensures charities have access to the right expert for the job, creating efficient and effective solutions.
7. Amplifying social impact
Freelancers contribute their work to causes they care about, often going beyond their contractual obligations because they feel personally invested. Networking amplifies this by connecting them with others who share the same social goals, leading to greater collaborative impact. Together, freelancers and networks create a ripple effect that drives more substantial social change.
8. Sustaining core operations
Freelancers support essential functions that charities rely on, such as content creation, administration, or project management. Networking strengthens this by connecting charities with reliable professionals who can step in when needed. This combination ensures continuity and stability within the organisation’s core operations.
9. Unlocking new opportunities for growth
Networking allows charities to discover new growth opportunities by connecting with a wider pool of talent and resources. Freelancers help take on the workload that enables charities to pursue these opportunities without compromising quality. By combining these approaches, charities can remain adaptable and responsive to emerging needs, unlocking more potential for growth.
What is next?
As freelancing and networking continue to gain momentum within the charity sector, we are just beginning to see their full potential. In the coming years, we can expect to see more remote and flexible roles, with specialised freelancers bringing their expertise to causes across the globe. Digital tools, virtual platforms, and remote working models will continue to evolve, allowing charities to work with professionals worldwide and create collaborations that were once unimaginable. As these trends grow, charities will be better positioned to tackle complex global issues with innovative solutions. The future of networking and freelancing in the charity sector is bright, and by joining this movement, you have the chance to make an even greater impact.
Freelance and network with purpose: Join RYTC and ESB’s creative community
Networking and freelancing are transforming the charity sector in ways that benefit both professionals and the communities they serve. These trends bring flexibility, growth, and the chance to work on projects that align with your values. Whether you are just starting out or are already established, embracing freelancing and networking can lead to a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.
At RYTC and ESB, we have embraced the power of freelancing and networking to amplify our impact. By collaborating with talented freelancers across different fields, we have been able to enhance the services we offer to young people and educators. Our growing network of like-minded professionals has opened doors to valuable resources and opportunities, making it easier for us to deliver high-quality programmes that spark personal growth and social change. Many of RYTC’s programmes are driven by freelance creative professionals, including writers, actors, and educators, who design and lead sessions for young people.
Want to freelance with purpose?
RYTC and Education Selection Box are always looking to collaborate with skilled professionals who are passionate about education, the arts, and youth development. Whether you are a writer, mentor, designer, or strategist, your skills can help shape brighter futures.
Use your talent to make a lasting impact.
We invite you to join us in tapping into the potential of freelancing and networking in the charity sector. Whether you are an aspiring freelancer looking to make a difference or someone eager to expand your professional network, there are opportunities to collaborate, learn, and contribute to causes that matter.
Get involved with RYTC and ESB today, and let us work together to create a brighter future for the communities we serve.
Contact Us: RYTC
Contact Us: ESB
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.
