Moving Toward Equity: A compensation, benefits, & work culture report for nonprofits

October 13, 2026

Following the pandemic, nonprofit leaders experienced recruitment and retention challenges. As a result of this new set of challenges, a group of eight nonprofit leaders in the Richmond community joined forces to create the Central Virginia Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Task Force.

The task force conducted a compensation survey designed to help nonprofit leaders determine if their pay, recruitment, retention, and work culture strategies meet market demand. We are sharing with you the findings from the survey to empower nonprofits to move forward toward equity.

SURVEY RESULTS

The survey results are based on data submitted by 49 nonprofits headquartered in the greater Richmond region and 428 respective employees. The report is designed to help nonprofit leaders determine if their pay, recruitment, and retention strategies meet market demand. Some findings from the survey include:

  • Confirmation that pay is the most common reason why employees seek new opportunities
  • Nearly 50% of our respondents offer paid parental leave (20% higher than the national average as reported by the Bureau of Labor Stats in March 2023)
  • Over 75% of employees agree or strongly agree that their employer evaluates their job performance fairly
  • There is still work to be done as the employment force strives toward pay equity across all demographics
  • Larger nonprofit organizations are finding it easier to address and adapt to these new challenges, while smaller nonprofits generally have less confidence in their ability to recruit and retain talent

The report provides insight into the nonprofit compensation landscape. Read the full report:

Moving Towards Equity Report  |  Moving Towards Equity Q&A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN PARTNERSHIP

We are pleased to share the names of the leaders who made this study possible. We applaud their proactive initiative to make positive changes for our community.

  • Beth Vann-Turnbull, Housing Families First
  • Damon Jiggetts, Henrico Education Foundation
  • Elvira de la Cruz, Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
  • Karen Legato, Health Brigade
  • Katina Williams, United Way
  • Robert Bolling, ChildSavers
  • Sheree Hedrick, Hanover Safe Place
  • Tyren Frazier, Better Housing Coalition

This project was co-sponsored by Susan Hallett from Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation, Scott Blackwell from the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, and Reggie Gordon from the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation.

Warren Whitney consultant Esther Nand oversaw the implementation of this project. Esther works with organizational leaders to strategically evaluate the best path forward.  As you digest the report, the professionals at Warren Whitney welcome the opportunity to speak with you and offer insights into how you can leverage the information collected.