More nonprofit organisations are emerging, tackling everything from education to healthcare, climate action to gender equity. While the impact is clear, one subject remains largely under-discussed: how nonprofit founders are compensated.

We often hear about passion, vision, and sacrifice, but what about salary? Do these founders earn a living wage? Do they run side hustles to stay afloat? Who determines what they earn, and how do they navigate the delicate balance between mission and money?

To answer these questions, we spoke directly with founders of Nigerian nonprofits. Their answers reveal a nuanced reality: a world of side gigs, modest stipends, and slow but steady steps towards financial sustainability.

Can we start with your name and a brief introduction to your organisation?

My name is Charles Egwuh. I’m a product strategist and social entrepreneur using UX to build inclusive, impact-driven solutions across Africa. I founded Aspaya, a nonprofit that empowers African youth with the tools and support they need to navigate their dreams with clarity and purpose.

Is this your full-time job?

No, it isn’t. I currently freelance as a researcher, and I also serve as Chief Growth Officer at an early-stage startup, where I lead product development and strategy.

Do you draw a salary from Aspaya?

Not at the moment. I’ve been bootstrapping the organisation, alongside support from family and friends. My goal is to eventually run Aspaya full time. At that stage, we hope to move beyond a volunteer-led model and hire dedicated staff. Although it’s a nonprofit, we’re actively working on sustainable ways to bring in revenue through sponsorships and partnerships.

So your only earning comes from the startup?

Yes, plus the income from short-term consulting and research projects I take on.

Side hustle, in one word?

You just mentioned It – Hustle!

Can we start with your name and what you do?

My name is Morayo Bamidele. Founder, Pattern the World with Love Foundation (PTWWL) — we focus on supporting less privileged individuals and children across Ogun State.

Is this your full-time job?

No, I’m currently a legal practitioner. Though I do hope to focus on it fully someday.

Do you currently earn from PTWWL?

No, I don’t. It’s not that the foundation couldn’t afford to pay a small stipend, I just haven’t rationalised taking one. Maybe it’s because I already have a job and a business that sustains me. Who knows?

So you earn very well from other work?

I would say so. Aside from legal practice, I run a business producing and selling bean flour, and it’s been going smoothly. However, in the near future, I want my main focus to shift entirely to the nonprofit.

How would you describe your current salary in one word?

 It can be better. Haha, I hope my boss sees this.

Can we start with your name and what you do?

My name is Mr. Ngozi Ozurumba

What do you do for a living?

I work as a real estate and project manager, and I also run a personal business.

Do you run an NGO?

Yes, I am the founder of ManAnew Life Empowerment Foundation (ManAnew) — an NGO primarily focused on reaching men and boys, improving their mental health, and inspiring a shift toward healthier masculinity and gender equality for peaceful coexistence and national development.

Do you currently earn from ManAnew?

No, I don’t.

Will you, when the time comes, decide to earn from the nonprofit?

When sustainable funding comes in, I hope it will be enough to execute the major projects envisioned for the organisation. But no, I don’t intend to pay myself a salary from it.

Can we start with your name and what you do?

My name is Temitope Bamisaiye. I run Inmate Rebuilders, an NGO that caters to the welfare, legal, and rehabilitation needs of inmates across Nigeria. We envision a nation where all inmate lives matter, and our mission is to reduce recidivism through consistent, impactful interventions.

Is this your only job?

I cannot consider it a job yet, even though it demands a lot from me

Oh, so you have another job that you do?

Not really. I just recently graduated, so I’m still actively exploring income opportunities.

Do you currently pay yourself through Inmate Rebuilders?

No, not yet.

Will you consider paying yourself through Inmate Rebuilder when good funding comes?

Yes, I will. When the NGO has a more organic system, then salaries can be allocated to every worker, which will include myself.

Final Thoughts

Talking to these nonprofit founders gave us a clearer view of how they stay afloat while building causes bigger than themselves. Most founders have other jobs or businesses which they use for survival. The nonprofit work continues, but rent must still be paid.

Also, many founders don’t earn from their NGOs, yet. Some say it’s by choice; others say there’s simply no funding to support salaries yet. Even where money exists, they often prioritise programmes over pay. It is our opinion that the idea that nonprofit leaders must always work for free or struggle quietly needs to change. Passion is important, but so is pay, especially when the work never stops.