Even in a Terrible Economy, There Are Only 4 Reasons to Accept a Low Nonprofit Salary

December 4, 2008 | Career Advice

In this economy, please believe that nonprofits across the country are still hiring, even though many organizations have had to lay people off or freeze hiring. Let’s not forget that this is a sector with high turnover in many positions, especially at the entry level. So the jobs are by and large still out there. But many young nonprofit professionals looking for a new job right now can find it daunting that nonprofits aren’t able to offer competitive salaries, even though the mission might be right up your alley. As much as I hate to say it, sometimes there’s just no way around the salary rub for a particular organization, particularly if they are small or grassroots, and if you’re coming into an entry level position. But that doesn’t mean you have to take it in stride. Always move on from any nonprofit offer that’s too low to pay all of your bills. And keep in mind that “low” means different things to different people who live in different metropolitan areas with different costs of living and student debt, etc. However, if a nonprofit can offer you some fab benefits, you should know that they can add up big for you in the long run, even if the salary is still a few thousand off from your ideal.

At the end of the day, no matter what the mission, or how much you may like your co-workers, there really are only four reasons to accept a low nonprofit salary.

Generous vacation time – meaning at least 4 weeks off a year
Fully paid health benefits – meaning health, dental, vision
Flexible scheduling – offers the option to work from home or hold a slash career (part-time job to supplement the low salary)
403b retirement account – employee set-up to offer at least 3% match to your contributions

This is just a short list of benefits that most nonprofits do not necessarily offer, but that you need to think about negotiating when presented with an offer that isn’t as competitive as you would like. Otherwise, your best bet is to move on the next organization! There’s nothing worse than going into deeper debt because your nonprofit job doesn’t support your basic needs.

What are some reasons why YOU would (or wouldn’t) bite the bullet and accept a low nonprofit salary?

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Tags: Career Advice, Economy

rosettathurman

Thanks for sharing your insight James. I meet so many young professionals that want to start their own nonprofit, and they don't consider the fact hat the money doesn't necessarily start rolling in right away. I can only imagine how hard it is to work so hard and not get paid at all in the beginning.
James H. Peterson III

I would also add that being a founder of a new nonprofit is an excellent reason for accepting the terms of not only low pay, but more frequently no pay at all. I would counsel all though to make sure they look this reality squarely before setting out on this particular path. I have seen two pay checks in almost a year, so we have been relying almost exclusively on my wife’s salary. In time, we will do better, but at the moment, it is difficult.
rosettathurman

Good point, Kathrin. Growth and learning potential can be priceless. I stayed at one nonprofit job for just a year, and all the experience I obtained there set me up for my next position with almost double the salary!
Kathrin

The possibility for short and long - term growth is also an important factor for me. I am joining a non-profit in a newly created position. While the benefits aren't particularly great, the base pay is respectable and the opportunity for growth is enormous.
rosettathurman

Hi Janelle - thanks for continuing to read my blog! I appreciate your comment, but you know what I'm going to ask you: why do you have 19 weeks of vacation saved up?? That is four months of relaxation time you should be using to renew yourself, my dear.

Thanks for sharing your experience - it shows all the things that are good about working in a nonprofit compared to a for profit. Flexibility is so valuable. But you need to be taking more vacation for sure! Wish you could donate some of your vacation to me :)
Janelle

I only really get one of the benefits you listed. I have the 4 wks vacation a year, but I also have very generous sick time and we're able to roll it over year after year. I currently have 19 weeks saved up after 10 years on the job. I won't have to worry about getting on disability or taking a reduced paycheck for a maternity leave or surgery.

I also consider flexibility to be a key benefit of my job, I'm not necessarily able to work from home, but I have control of my schedule, I can come in late or leave early any given day if I make it up by coming in early or staying late another time. Everyone is very understanding of personal needs - if the car breaks down or a family member's sick. I feel that non-profit colleagues are more willing to help pick up the pieces for one another.
rosettathurman

Thanks for reading Matthew! I appreciate you sharing you experience. At first it does seem like us nonprofit folks are just supposed to suffer for the cause...until you realize that just because you work for charity doesn't mean the bill collectors stop calling. I'm glad YOU found out that you also have to take care of yourself even as you work to take care of others.

Wonderful comment! I plan to feature it soon :)

Rosetta
Matthew Smith-Soley

Great thoughts, Rosetta. I think it's really easy for people in the non-profit sector to have an attitude of "not deserving" to be paid a decent wage. I know it affects me. When you have a heart for the mission, it can be easy to overlook the little things... like paying your rent, student loans, car loans, etc.

"Always move on from any nonprofit offer that’s too low to pay all of your bills."

SO TRUE!

I've found that it does NO GOOD to be a martyr. No matter how great the job is, if you're not taking care of your home life & responsibilities---if you're not being paid enough to pay your bills---you're going to end up stressed out & burned out. And a stressed-out, burned-out employee is not all that much use to even the best of companies. That dream job can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Matthew in Philly