The IRS’s reasonable compensation rule sometimes may seem like an obstacle to attracting and retaining qualified nonprofit executives. Although the rule is intended to prevent “private inurement” or “excess benefits,” it ultimately restricts what you can offer a candidate. Of course, some nonprofits simply don’t have the means — or their donors object to using nonprofit funds for higher compensation. Either way, recruiting executives, particularly from the for-profit world, can be challenging for boards.

But creative compensation packages can help. If you’re having trouble finding and keeping effective leaders, consider offering more than just a salary.

Apples to apples

According to Charity Navigator’s 2016 Charity CEO Compensation Study, the median compensation for a nonprofit CEO is $123,362. But compensation varies widely, depending on the type, size and location of the organization — with research and educational nonprofits in the Northeast generally paying executives much higher compensation than the median.

This last point is important, because the IRS expects nonprofits to base their own compensation models on those of comparable peers. A small Midwestern social-services charity, for example, should refer to compensation offered by other small social-services organizations (and possibly for-profit businesses) in the Midwest, not private universities on the West Coast. Documentation is critical. Your board needs to keep records of the comparable data it relies on, and then report on your annual Form 990 the compensation decision process and the amounts and forms of compensation awarded.

Retirement benefits

Nonsalary benefits generally count toward total compensation numbers reported to the IRS. But perks related to retirement may be regarded more favorably by regulators and stakeholders than mere salary.

For example, you might consider offering your executives a 457(b) plan. These plans help make up for the fact that the level of benefits offered by 403(b) and other common nonprofit retirement plans are restricted for higher-paid employees. In general, 457(b) plans allow executives to defer taxes until retirement on plan contributions of up to $18,000 or 100% of income annually, whichever is less.

You might also offer a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP). These aren’t deferred compensation plans but act as a type of pension account funded by employers. SERPs are considered “ineligible,” meaning that contributions don’t vest immediately to the executive and, like pensions, funds are at risk of forfeiture before retirement.

Bonus plans

Nonprofits are obliged to use surplus revenue to forward their mission rather than distribute profit or dividends to employees. But paying bonuses or incentives to executives generally is acceptable as long as:

• It furthers your organization’s goals and exempt purpose,
• It’s based on meeting measurable performance goals,
• Payment doesn’t reduce services to constituents, and
• The total compensation package still qualifies as “reasonable” according to IRS rules.

If you offer bonuses, keep in mind that the amount can be based on gross profits and total activity of, for example, a fundraising campaign. But to discourage nonprofits from cutting services to pay bonuses, the IRS prohibits bonuses based on net earnings or profits.

Other perks

Depending on the executive, other perks may actually have more value than the usual salary and benefits. For example, if your nonprofit is located in a city such as New York or San Francisco, you might offer to subsidize housing to a level commensurate with the executive’s income. If a new executive must move to accept the job with your organization, consider covering relocation expenses.

Some candidates may have student loan debt that you can help to repay. Or you might offer to cover the costs of attending school part-time for an advanced degree related to your nonprofit’s mission. And don’t forget about work-life balance. Many executives will accept less pay for a shorter full-time workweek (such as 35 instead of 40 hours) or the opportunity to telecommute or work on a flexible schedule.

Understand what you’re offering

Before you offer an executive deferred compensation, a bonus plan or fringe benefits, make sure you understand potential tax and compliance issues associated with them. Your advisors can help ensure that your proposed compensation package is reasonable and that you’ve correctly reported the details to the IRS.

Should you pay board members?

Contrary to what many believe, it’s legal — and in some cases, necessary — to compensate nonprofit board members. For example, paying compensation can help attract well-known business leaders or people with specialized expertise. It might also be appropriate if board members are expected to invest significant time and effort in the role, or if your nonprofit competes with for-profit businesses, as nonprofit hospitals commonly do.

On the other hand, paying board members can create negative public perceptions. Donors may object to their contributions being used for this purpose, and legal complications are possible. Some states protect voluntary nonprofit board members from legal liability, but not compensated members.

Also, compensation arrangements must comply with the Internal Revenue Code’s private inurement and excess benefit regulations, as well as the IRS’s reasonable compensation rules. Failure to adhere to these rules can result in hefty excise taxes, penalties and even the loss of your organization’s tax-exempt status.

© 2017

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