by Natalie Jones, Director of Advocacy and Research, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
In Tennessee, the nonprofit sector plays a critical role in supporting and creating thriving communities across our state. By fulfilling core functions such as delivering services, advocating on behalf of our communities and citizens, and driving social change, a robust and stable nonprofit workforce is vital. However, like many industries, nonprofits face challenges in attracting and retaining talent—particularly in the areas of competitive wages and benefits. To address this, we are launching the 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Compensation Survey, Tennessee’s very first statewide compensation study for nonprofit organizations, designed to gather comprehensive data on wages, benefits, and employment practices throughout the sector.
But why is this survey so important, and how will it help nonprofit organizations thrive? Let’s take a closer look.
The Importance of Compensation Data
Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is essential for nonprofits to meet their missions. Yet, many organizations struggle to balance limited budgets with the need to offer competitive compensation packages. Without access to reliable salary data, it becomes difficult to make informed decisions about pay scales and benefits that will help build a sustainable workforce.
The 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Compensation Survey will provide much-needed insights into the current state of wages across the sector. By collecting this data, we can:
- Benchmark salaries and benefits: The data will allow nonprofits to see how their compensation packages compare to others in the state, helping them remain competitive.
- Promote equity and inclusion: Ensuring equitable pay across the sector is vital for promoting diversity and inclusion. With transparent data, nonprofits can evaluate and address pay disparities, fostering a more equitable workplace.
- Strengthen advocacy efforts: This data will be invaluable in advocating for policies that support nonprofit workers, from fair wages to better benefits, creating a stronger foundation for the sector.
How the Survey Benefits the Entire Sector
This survey isn’t just about numbers; it’s about empowering nonprofits to make better decisions for their staff and their missions. The insights gained will help organizations:
- Develop competitive hiring strategies: In a tight labor market, having data on wages and benefits will help nonprofits tailor their job offers to attract top talent.
- Improve staff retention: Retaining skilled employees is just as important as hiring them. With clear benchmarks, nonprofits can ensure their compensation packages meet industry standards, reducing turnover.
- Budget with confidence: Compensation is often one of the largest line items in a nonprofit’s budget. With solid data, organizations can plan more effectively for the future.
How You Can Contribute
We’re calling on all Tennessee nonprofits—big and small—to participate in the 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Compensation Survey. Your input is vital to ensure we have a complete and accurate picture of compensation across the state.
By contributing your organization’s data, you will not only gain access to the results but also help shape a stronger, more informed nonprofit sector. We will use the survey findings to create a report that will serve as a resource for all Tennessee nonprofits, guiding salary decisions and policy discussions for years to come.
As a thank you for the effort that went into collecting this important compensation data, all participating nonprofit organizations who submit a completed survey by the deadline (Friday, November 15th) will receive a FREE copy of the report. The compensation report will be available to the public for $99 for members of Tennessee Nonprofit Network and $149 for nonmembers.
Final Thoughts
Compensation plays a pivotal role in nonprofit success. By participating in this survey, you’re not just filling out a form—you’re contributing to a stronger, more competitive nonprofit workforce in Tennessee. Together, we can ensure that nonprofits across the state are equipped to attract and retain the talent they need to thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates and information on how you can participate in the 2024 Tennessee Nonprofit Compensation Survey. Let’s build a brighter future for Tennessee’s nonprofit workforce—starting with fair and competitive wages.
Before submitting your survey, download the preview here and the worksheet here. Complete the survey here.