FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of St. Louis (YNPN St. Louis) was founded in January 2009 to provide support and resources for young professionals working in the local nonprofit community. YNPN St. Louis has since become the leading association in the area that connects and develops nonprofit professionals in order to strengthen local philanthropic efforts and maximize their impact on social change. A member-driven organization, YNPN St. Louis values diversity and inclusion, and raises awareness throughout the region about the nonprofit sector and its participants. We are responsive to the changing needs of these participants, local and national trends, and developments within the nonprofit world. We constantly broaden our impact by welcoming new professionals to the field, fostering relationships, and cultivating emerging nonprofit leaders. By building and strengthening our network, YNPN St. Louis is working to create a local environment in which nonprofit professionals are fully supported, and are viewed as a vital partner with the public and private sectors to resolve critical problems in our city and society. 

YNPN St. Louis provides a variety of personal and professional development opportunities, including speakers, workshops, discussions, career development, networking, as well as social & service events. We also provide online resources and discussion opportunities, including a Membership Directory, regular e-newsletters, and online Discussion Center.

Click here for a list of our upcoming events.

Currently, there exists an unbalance between the number of seasoned nonprofit professionals leaving the sector and new, young professionals entering it. Additionally, nonprofit salaries, benefits packages, and long hours can be a deterrent to entering the industry. As a result, nonprofit workers burn out, and nonprofit organizations lose gifted future leaders. YNPN St. Louis was established to fill that void. Through trainings, meetings, and social gatherings, young professionals are given a chance to make connections with each other, discuss issues that impact them, and help create a stronger St. Louis nonprofit community. 

YNPN is entirely volunteer-led and coordinated. We welcome members from all ages and professional backgrounds; however, members are typically in their 20s or 30s and currently work in or are transitioning into the nonprofit sector. We define "young" not so much by one's age, but by one's experience in the nonprofit field.

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