How can you negotiate a salary increase when working for a non-profit organization?

1 Know your worth

Before you ask for a raise, do some research on the market value of your skills, experience, and achievements. You can use online tools, such as PayScale or Glassdoor, to compare your salary with similar roles in your sector and location. You can also network with other professionals in your field and ask them about their compensation and benefits. Knowing your worth will help you set realistic and fair expectations and avoid underselling yourself.

2 Understand your organization

Non-profit organizations often have limited budgets and resources, and they may face challenges such as funding cuts, donor demands, or regulatory changes. Therefore, you need to understand your organization's financial situation, strategic goals, and culture before you negotiate a salary increase. You can look at your organization's annual reports, financial statements, and mission statement to get a sense of its performance and priorities. You can also talk to your manager or HR department to find out how they determine salaries, what factors they consider, and how often they review them.

3 Highlight your value

When you approach your manager or HR department for a salary increase, you need to demonstrate your value to the organization and show how you contribute to its mission and vision. You can prepare a list of your accomplishments, such as projects you completed, problems you solved, goals you met or exceeded, feedback you received, or awards you won. You can also quantify your impact, such as how much money you saved, raised, or generated, how many people you served, or how much you improved the quality or efficiency of your work. Use specific examples and data to back up your claims and show your potential for future growth.

4 Be flexible and respectful

Negotiating a salary increase with a non-profit organization may require some flexibility and creativity on your part. You may not get the exact amount you want, but you may be able to negotiate other forms of compensation or benefits, such as bonuses, incentives, allowances, training, education, or time off. You may also have to compromise on the timing or frequency of your raise, depending on your organization's budget cycle or review process. Whatever the outcome, be respectful and professional in your communication and avoid making ultimatums or threats. Express your appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity and the recognition, and maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with your employer.

5 Follow up and document

After you negotiate a salary increase with a non-profit organization, make sure you follow up and document the agreement. You can send a thank-you email to your manager or HR department, summarizing the main points of the negotiation and confirming the details of your raise. You can also ask for a written confirmation or a revised contract that reflects your new salary and benefits. Keep a copy of the correspondence and the contract for your records and reference. Finally, continue to perform well and deliver value to your organization, and keep track of your achievements and feedback for your next salary negotiation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?