When setting nonprofit executive compensation, consider implementing practices and procedures that ensure executive compensation procedures are thorough, well-documented, and conflict-free. Doing so will ensure compensation decisions will stand up to the scrutiny of the media, regulators, and donors, and protect the employee as well as the board from personal liability. Our top 10 tips for setting nonprofit executive compensation are:
Table of contents
- Setting Nonprofit Executive Compensation: Top 10 Tips
- 1. Use the Rebuttable Presumption Procedures
- 2. Create a Compensation Committee.
- 3. Adopt Comprehensive Conflicts of Interest Policy.
- 4. Adopt a Compensation Policy when Setting Nonprofit Executive Compensation.
- 5. Use Appropriate Comparability Data.
- 6. Assess All Components of Executive Compensation Relative to Comparable Organizations.
- 7. Have Full Board Approve Chief Executive’s Compensation.
- 8. Have Full Board Approve Directors’ Compensation.
- 9. Adopt a Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy.
- 10. Where The Stakes Are High, Obtain a Reasoned Opinion.
Setting Nonprofit Executive Compensation: Top 10 Tips
1. Use the Rebuttable Presumption Procedures
Tax-exempt organizations must pay reasonable compensation. The Treasury Regulations outline a process for public charities and social welfare organizations that, if followed, shifts the burden of proof to the I.R.S. to prove that compensation is unreasonable. The I.R.S. has published a checklist that can be used for this purpose.
2. Create a Compensation Committee.
A dedicated committee is often better able to devote the time and attention that executive compensation matters require. If a compensation committee is formed, it should operate pursuant to a formal delegation of authority from the board.
3. Adopt Comprehensive Conflicts of Interest Policy.
A conflict of interest policy is strongly encouraged by the I.R.S. and is a legal requirement in some states. If followed, it can help protect directors and officers from liability stemming from transactions between the organizations and insiders.
4. Adopt a Compensation Policy when Setting Nonprofit Executive Compensation.
A compensation policy helps to create internal consistency by specifying comparable peer groups, target market position with respect to salary, long and short-term incentives that the foundation offers, total cash compensation, standard benefits, and any executive benefits and perquisites.
5. Use Appropriate Comparability Data.
Reasonable compensation is the amount that would ordinarily be paid for similar services by similar enterprises, whether taxable or tax-exempt, under similar circumstances. To qualify for the rebuttable presumption, nonprofits with annual gross receipts under $1 million must rely on at least 3 comparables. No threshold has been set for larger nonprofits; however, the higher the proposed compensation, the more data the board should generally consider.
6. Assess All Components of Executive Compensation Relative to Comparable Organizations.
It is important to ensure that total compensation is reasonable rather than comparing salary and various perquisites in isolation. All financial benefits (other than de minimus fringe benefits) must be included in the analysis and reported as compensation.
7. Have Full Board Approve Chief Executive’s Compensation.
It is prudent to have the full board of directors approve the chief executive’s compensation package. Some boards approve other key executive’s compensation. Others delegate that task to the compensation committee or to the chief executive (within pre-established limits).
8. Have Full Board Approve Directors’ Compensation.
The full board of directors should approve any compensation paid to directors or trustees. This is a requirement under some state nonprofit corporation laws. Due to the inherent conflict of interest, the board should base its decision on the certified opinion of an independent compensation consultant or recommendations from an independent ad hoc committee.
9. Adopt a Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy.
To ensure that travel and expense reimbursements are reasonable and necessary, nonprofits should adopt a travel and expense reimbursement policy. This is a good place to memorialize the organization’s practices in areas of I.R.S. interest such as luxury travel and spousal travel.
10. Where The Stakes Are High, Obtain a Reasoned Opinion.
A reasoned opinion from a lawyer, certified public accountant, or compensation expert when setting nonprofit executive compensation protects the board from incurring penalties for knowingly paying unreasonable compensation to a key employee or another insider. The review can also serve as a valuable mechanism to discover and correct weaknesses in the analysis or documentation of the compensation process.
Related post: How to Set Compensation of Nonprofit Executives
Ellis Carter is a nonprofit lawyer with Caritas Law Group, P.C. Ellis advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on corporate, tax, and fundraising regulations. Ellis is licensed to practice in Washington and Arizona and advises nonprofits on federal tax and fundraising regulations nationwide. Ellis also advises donors with regard to major gifts. To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form.