Anyone who works for a nonprofit organization knows that doing good for a living can actually get you jacked up financially in the long run. However, we do need to stop acting as if our bosses are the ones holding us down. Like my grandma says, can’t nobody do anything to you unless you let them. So instead of griping about your low salary, try asking for a raise or negotiating for a better one when you come into a new position. And by all means, be prepared to walk away from an offer that doesn’t meet your financial needs.  But how do you negotiate more money in a sector that’s always crying broke?

Remember that ‘Nonprofit’ Doesn’t Mean You Shouldn’t Get Paid

Somehow the nonprofit sector’s done a bang-up brainwashing job of making all employees believe that the budget just can’t possibly bear to pay you a penny more this year. If you feel funny talking about earning more money just because you’re here to “do good, not make a good living,” be aware that it’s the psychology of the sector that may be keeping you from speaking up, not any real taboo around asking for what you’re worth.

Be Knowledgeable About How Much You’re Worth

How are you supposed to negotiate a higher salary when you don’t even know the market rate for your position? These nonprofit salary guides can be helpful in making the case to your boss for more moola. Note that for nonprofits under $2M in size, the market rate for most positions is more than $30k a year, so there’s no earthly reason for you to get stuck in that pay bracket. And don’t go applying for jobs with “assistant” in the title if you can avoid it. Also, don’t be shy to ask your friends who have similar positions (in other organizations) what they earn. Knowledge is power.

Start at the Top

Ask for the salary you want when you come in, which should be a number higher than what you need to buy food and pay rent. I know people who have calculated their bare bones needs just to get by and told the hiring manager they could live off of $22,000 a year. I did it myself – my first full-time nonprofit job I made $27,000 and had to take out loans and hostess at a chain restaurant just to feed myself and go to a concert once in a blue moon. I learned my lesson real quick. What did I think I was, a human Wal-Mart? You are not discount talent, so don’t short yourself when it comes to salary negotiations. You should have enough to live, pay taxes, and make room for whatever makes you happy.

Be Clear About What You Bring to the Organization

Do you have a specific strength that you bring to the table that your nonprofit can’t live without? Does the organization rely on your financial expertise or fundraising ability? How about your supervisory and team-building skills? Sometimes you’ve got to blow your own horn to get people to move. Reminding your boss why he or she needs you (in an appropriately diplomatic way) will definitely work to your advantage when you ask for a raise.

Don’t Punk Out

When you’re in a meeting with the boss to negotiate salary or talk raises, for goodness sakes don’t beat around the bush. Speak up for yourself and don’t lose focus on what you came to do: obtain more money. Be clear in your request and don’t try to be vague thinking your boss will get the hint. Ask direct questions, and you will get direct answers.

Here’s what you might say in your meeting with your boss:

I appreciate the opportunity to have this conversation about adjusting my salary. From my scan of salary surveys of other positions in similar organizations, a typical program manager makes at least $40,000 and I feel my current salary of $32,000 is low. Given my contributions and accomplishments, I think a raise to $40,000 is more appropriate. Will you consider this salary adjustment at this time?

Make sure you set a specific time to resolve the salary adjustment question if you don’t or can’t get an answer right away. Try: I understand that you need to take some time to think about this. Why don’t we touch base again at 10:00am next Thursday?

If You Get the Big N-O, Go Beyond Salary

If you can’t get a raise, but want to stay at your nonprofit anyway, don’t go away with your tail between your legs. Ask for the next best thing: more vacation time, flexible work hours, or a year-end bonus. Also don’t be afraid to ask to do less work. If you’re walking away with the same $32,000 you came in your boss’ office with, they need to take some responsibilities off your plate. Don’t let your nonprofit take advantage of you. Fair is fair. If you can’t get more money, don’t let your boss give you more work.

I’m not saying you should throw in the towel if you don’t get your way, but if you can’t work with your organization on the salary issue, I’d rather you quit your job than be miserably broke.