The hidden costs of working for and volunteering with non-profits...

[hoodedfalcon]

For the last three years I have been employed at a non-profit organization. Over the last year, staff has been getting pressure from our new development coordinator to make a donation back to the non-profit we work for. I think it's silly, but I guess it shows buy-in and commitment to others outside the organization. Earlier this year I was asked to contribute to a fund raiser, and for the first time, I donated back to the organization (less than $50). Today I get an email asking for another donation (less than $50), since we are about to kick off our big yearly fundraising event.

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

I am on the advisory committee for another non-profit, and they said they ask each committee member to make a donation (amount not specified).

So, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but all of this forced donation stuff really gets under my skin. I can come up with this money, but I would much much much rather put it towards my very extensive student loans...the ones I tool out to get this degree which makes me a prime candidate for non-profit work, apparently. If I didn't have the debt, I would gladly give to these organizations, since I believe in the work they do, which is why I have gotten involved with them. I could probably get away with fulfilling these obligations for under $300/year, which in the grand scheme of things isn't a lot. But what about when your hair is on fire?

I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this sort of thing? How do you handle it? I know the suggestion is often made to donate TIME instead of MONEY to charity....Well, I donate my time, and then they expect my money.

[Emilyngh]

For the last three years I have been employed at a non-profit organization. Over the last year, staff has been getting pressure from our new development coordinator to make a donation back to the non-profit we work for. I think it's silly, but I guess it shows buy-in and commitment to others outside the organization. Earlier this year I was asked to contribute to a fund raiser, and for the first time, I donated back to the organization (less than $50). Today I get an email asking for another donation (less than $50), since we are about to kick off our big yearly fundraising event.

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

I am on the advisory committee for another non-profit, and they said they ask each committee member to make a donation (amount not specified).

So, I don't want to sound like a jerk, but all of this forced donation stuff really gets under my skin. I can come up with this money, but I would much much much rather put it towards my very extensive student loans...the ones I tool out to get this degree which makes me a prime candidate for non-profit work, apparently. If I didn't have the debt, I would gladly give to these organizations, since I believe in the work they do, which is why I have gotten involved with them. I could probably get away with fulfilling these obligations for under $300/year, which in the grand scheme of things isn't a lot. But what about when your hair is on fire?

I guess my question is, has anyone else experienced this sort of thing? How do you handle it? I know the suggestion is often made to donate TIME instead of MONEY to charity....Well, I donate my time, and then they expect my money.

I work for a nonprofit.   They are constantly asking for employee donations.   I consider the difference between what my salary would be if I worked for industry vs here a super hefty donation, so no more from me.

[Cheddar Stacker]

My wife quit a job at a non-profit largely for this reason. Not always money, but significant time donations, including lack pay for certain ongoing "reporting requirements". She just got to the point where she felt like she was being taken advantage of.

[HawkeyeNFO]

My first job out of college was working for a well known non-profit that everyone would recognize.  Politics there were terrible, and it involved a lot of volunteers.  Hafta play nice with them because they do all the work and don't get paid.  If you make them mad, they simply quit and then the job doesn't get done.  Lots of weeknight hours involved too.  Pay was ok at best.

[oldtoyota]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

[hoodedfalcon]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

This was not clear, but I was put on the board after my boss decided she didn't have time. It's a tricky one to get out of for that reason.

[Bateaux]

I volunteered as a fireman/medic in my community for three years.  It was a tremendous cost in time as well as money.  I'd say it cost me 10 to 15 hours a week unpaid as well as a lot of gasoline running around to training and calls.   I don't regret it one bit, the training and experience was worth it.  I had people die in my hands and I've saved lives.  I may go back to it one day, I quit when I was promoted to Captain.  It would double my commitment in time and effort as well as my expenses.   

[hoodedfalcon]

I work for a nonprofit.   They are constantly asking for employee donations.   I consider the difference between what my salary would be if I worked for industry vs here a super hefty donation, so no more from me.

I am toying with the idea of not donating for this latest push and just waiting to see if my boss says anything to me. I also think of my lack of salary as a type of donation.

[hoodedfalcon]

I volunteered as a fireman/medic in my community for three years.  It was a tremendous cost in time as well as money.  I'd say it cost me 10 to 15 hours a week unpaid as well as a lot of gasoline running around to training and calls.   I don't regret it one bit, the training and experience was worth it.  I had people die in my hands and I've saved lives.  I may go back to it one day, I quit when I was promoted to Captain.  It would double my commitment in time and effort as well as my expenses.

That is really great work, Batueaudriver! Kudos to you. That is not easy work at all.

I really love donating my time and working towards a great goal. If I wasn't in significant amounts of student loan debt, I would give more, both time and money. It just really makes me hesitant to get involved with volunteer work because of the expectation that you must also donate your money.

[rocklebock]

I think asking employees to donate money back to their employer is absurd on its face, so I just don't do it. Fortunately we're not pushed to do it. I occasionally donate to a previous employer because I appreciate what I learned there and how much it helped my career.

I think the question of donations from board members is a little different, since (as oldtoyota indicates) boards are usually supposed to raise money for the organization. I work with several boards, and it's a huge red flag for me if board members aren't willing to put some of their own money behind the organization. If they don't believe in it enough to donate their own money, why should they expect anyone else to?

[slugline]

What happens if you just say no? Really?

Are these solicitations to donate generic and broadcast across the organization, or targeted specifically at you? If it's the former, then don't take it personally. Surely there are other employees who have family situations that enable them to give above and beyond what might be expected from their own salary. If it's the latter, then that's just wrong and I wouldn't blame you for calling out the development coordinator on this inappropriate behavior.

[hoodedfalcon]

I think asking employees to donate money back to their employer is absurd on its face, so I just don't do it. Fortunately we're not pushed to do it. I occasionally donate to a previous employer because I appreciate what I learned there and how much it helped my career.

I think the question of donations from board members is a little different, since (as oldtoyota indicates) boards are usually supposed to raise money for the organization. I work with several boards, and it's a huge red flag for me if board members aren't willing to put some of their own money behind the organization. If they don't believe in it enough to donate their own money, why should they expect anyone else to?

Yeah, I don't know if it should really be a huge red flag in all situations. I work with a lot of economically disadvantaged individuals, and it seems unfair and possibly counterproductive to exclude them from a board simply because they don't have cash to contribute. I am all for helping to raise money, but when you work for a non-profit, it is tricky to raise funds for a different non-profit, especially when tapping into the same pool of possible contributors...

[Cheddar Stacker]

At my wife's former employer the executive director (boss) used to keep a running list of who contributed what to each fundraiser, and would then refer back to it when evaluating whether someone was "insert non-profit name here" material. I don't think it ever impacted hourly wages since those were pretty stagnant anyway, but it could have a heavy influence on scheduling in this particular organization which effects overall annual wages.

[sheepstache]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

This was not clear, but I was put on the board after my boss decided she didn't have time. It's a tricky one to get out of for that reason.

If it's still early enough in your career that you have student loan debt perhaps $100 is a small cost to pay to have a 'member of the board' listing on your resume?  I don't have much context of your situation or field, of course.

[CommonCents]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

This was not clear, but I was put on the board after my boss decided she didn't have time. It's a tricky one to get out of for that reason.

That one seems easier actually, as it's a job requirement.  Approach your boss regarding it.  Tell her there is an expectation for a donation and ask for the business will make a donation on your behalf.  If she declines, then thank her for considering it and let her know that you will tell the nonprofit that you/the organization will not be making a donation this year.  If she says yes, then say great and follow up with the non-profit that your company will be making the donation on your behalf (and ideally in a email to copy your boss).

[Beric01]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

This was not clear, but I was put on the board after my boss decided she didn't have time. It's a tricky one to get out of for that reason.

That one seems easier actually, as it's a job requirement.  Approach your boss regarding it.  Tell her there is an expectation for a donation and ask for the business will make a donation on your behalf.  If she declines, then thank her for considering it and let her know that you will tell the nonprofit that you/the organization will not be making a donation this year.  If she says yes, then say great and follow up with the non-profit that your company will be making the donation on your behalf (and ideally in a email to copy your boss).

Well stated. OP, follow this advice to the letter.

[Gone Fishing]

Non-profit board positions are like hot potatoes around here, don't get caught with one when the music stops as they are generally recruiting donations rather than expertise!  Even in a private company I get hit up for PAC donations, United Way, March of Dimes, Boy Scouts, and others on the job.  My wife and I make donations to non-profits, but I don't do anything through work as it is none of their business.  Nor do I make ANY political contributions, just on principal, as they system is so corrupt. I might make an exception to this rule if there was somebody that I knew VERY well running for a local office. But that is not likely to be the case as I do not hang out with those types!   

[cdttmm]

Could you tell each of these organizations that you've already made your budgeted, charitable contributions for 2014, but that you will put each on the list for consideration in 2015? I do this whenever I get asked to make a contribution. For organizations that I consider potentially worthy of my money, I'll put them into the running for the following year. I usually make a final decision around January 1st and just go ahead and make my donations for the year (or put them on my calendar so that I do them at another point during the year).

[Sarita]

Can you tell your boss that you are channeling all your efforts to pay off student loans and when they are taken care of you will be in a position to donate to charity again?

[Beric01]

Can you tell your boss that you are channeling all your efforts to pay off student loans and when they are taken care of you will be in a position to donate to charity again?

Why is how you spend the money you earn (or your current financial status) any of your boss's business?

Besides, stating you're paying off your student loans is going to make you sound desperate and give your boss an advantage over you. Not a good idea. Finally, from this statement the boss can now expect that you'll start donating to this charity once you pay off you student loans - that may not be in your plans. Is you boss going to start tracking your student loan progress?

Keep work things at work, and personal life to personal life.

[hoodedfalcon]

So many great suggestions! I know my boss keeps a mental tally of who gives and who doesn't, much like the situation Cheddar Stacker mentioned. I also know she would never directly come out and express her disapproval...but it would come out in some way, eventually. She knows I have student loans, and she knows I am going for PSLF bc she has to sign my verification forms, but I don't want to bring it up other than that unless absolutely necessary.

I like cdttmm's suggestion going forward, and I will implement it. I really do want to give to these organizations, (and others) it's just stressful when I haven't budgeted and when the decision is made for me. That is the part I really don't like.

The board position and the committee position are both resume gold, so I like the idea of thinking of the financial contributions to these orgs as money well spent. But it still hurts...right now, when I am trying so so hard to pay off these loans.

So I just donated to the work fundraiser...I will make the committee donation and the board donation as well. All told, less than $300.

I feel better about it. I think....

[hoodedfalcon]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

Yes, generally speaking. Perhaps you bring special skills and expertise that would make up for no donations, though, it's possible. But if you just attend Board meetings and events, without taking on a major part of the work of the Board, you may not be doing what was intended.

I don't know that I am such a special snowflake that I should be held to a different standard than other board members. I was a founding board member and I gave hours and hours of my time to the org when it was just getting started...probably more than any other board member. I guess I did okay enough because they asked me to resign from the board and apply to be the first Executive Director. I declined the ED position, but I did step down as Board VP after the first year because I was spending too much time away from my actual job with the work of the Board. I think I certainly paid my dues, work wise. I also get that a new grant-funded non-profit is in great need of unrestricted dollars. I certainly don't begrudge them the need for funds.

Maybe I am just freaking out because I feel like I have donated a significant amount of time and energy and I just didn't budget the money part of it. :(

[CommonCents]

Perhaps the time has come to step down from it?  Or just be direct and say that you really care about the organization but you're not able to give right now.  (You can add that you will step down if that is an issue if you want.)

Re donating at the office, maybe talk to HR about the pressure to see if they have any suggestions?

[oldtoyota]

I am on the board for another non-profit and each board member is asked to contribute a minimum of $100.

It's pretty common for board members to be expected to donate or to get donations from the community. It sounds like they did not make that clear to you when you signed up. If you don't like it, perhaps get off of the board and do other sorts of volunteer work.

This was not clear, but I was put on the board after my boss decided she didn't have time. It's a tricky one to get out of for that reason.

I am confused now. You said you work for one nonprofit and then you sit on the board as a volunteer for a second nonprofit? Why is your boss on the board of a second nonprofit and then passing that off to you?

Usually, the nonprofits have board members from the community. They are business leaders as opposed to employees. The point of the board, in part, is oversight and ensuring the organization is following applicable laws.

[wtjbatman]

If you're dedicating your life to working for a non-profit, you don't need to pay down your student loans. You are already only 7 years away from public service loan forgiveness.

Don't feel bad about taking advantage of the program either, that's what it's designed for. To get educated people who would otherwise work in the private sector to instead choose a career that involves public service.

[hoodedfalcon]

Perhaps the time has come to step down from it?  Or just be direct and say that you really care about the organization but you're not able to give right now.  (You can add that you will step down if that is an issue if you want.)

Re donating at the office, maybe talk to HR about the pressure to see if they have any suggestions?

I agreed to one more year on the board, and after that I plan to step down.

Our office is small, less than 10 people. We don't have an official HR, but I did speak to the office manager since she has insider information. She confirmed that the boss verifies who donates and who does not.

[hoodedfalcon]

If you're dedicating your life to working for a non-profit, you don't need to pay down your student loans. You are already only 7 years away from public service loan forgiveness.

Don't feel bad about taking advantage of the program either, that's what it's designed for. To get educated people who would otherwise work in the private sector to instead choose a career that involves public service.

I wish all I had to worry about were the federal loans that are eligible for forgiveness. The loans I am stressing about are private loans, about 50K at 3.19%. I know 3.19% is not a high rate, but it's variable and I really just want these gone. I feel so unsteady with all this debt hanging over me.

And thanks for the thumbs up on taking advantage of the PSLF. I have an amazing job and some great colleagues...but the paycheck...not so great. :) PSLF is the only way I could stay in this line of work.

[wtjbatman]

If you're dedicating your life to working for a non-profit, you don't need to pay down your student loans. You are already only 7 years away from public service loan forgiveness.

Don't feel bad about taking advantage of the program either, that's what it's designed for. To get educated people who would otherwise work in the private sector to instead choose a career that involves public service.

I wish all I had to worry about were the federal loans that are eligible for forgiveness. The loans I am stressing about are private loans, about 50K at 3.19%. I know 3.19% is not a high rate, but it's variable and I really just want these gone. I feel so unsteady with all this debt hanging over me.

And thanks for the thumbs up on taking advantage of the PSLF. I have an amazing job and some great colleagues...but the paycheck...not so great. :) PSLF is the only way I could stay in this line of work.

Ugh, bummer. Sorry to hear that. I can understand your stress a lot more now. I'd feel the same way if mine were private!

[MandyM]

I don't have much to add here, but I do a lot of volunteer work and I feel your pain. When thinking about how to spend my time in RE (when I get there) I considered a paid, PT position with the non-profit I work with...for about a millisecond. I will most likely volunteer even more, but will not take a paid position. The line between on and off the clock would not be clear enough and I would definitely end up feeling taken advantage of.

[JPinDC]

I work for a non-profit and volunteer with a different non-profit as well. I don't think either organization is expecting to meet its yearly goals based on my contribution, but I also understand that things like number of donors and participation of volunteers and staff are questions that are asked on grant applications. If you believe in the organizations and are interested in donating, I think a token contribution would be as appreciated as a larger one.

[Noodle]

On the general question of non-profit boards...for those, a primary function is fundraising, and it's pretty standard to ask board members to "put their money where their mouth is" by making lead donations--how can you expect other people to give if you haven't yourself? The question of whether to recruit board members who can't give financially but have valuable community connections etc. is a hot one, and I know several executive directors who feel that it messes with board dynamics when some are giving financially and others aren't. It's a valid position and worthy of consideration. That said, it's on the organization to make it very clear during board recruitment what the financial expectations will be (and I understand that in this particular case, there were other workplace dynamics involved, on which you have gotten good advice).

For other volunteers and staff, it is much trickier. I have been at non-profits my whole career and while I have been given the opportunity to give it has never been expected (maybe because I've usually been on the lower end of salary.) Maybe if you are at a non-profit that focuses on fundraising it's more common? I personally think they are tricky ground with that legally. As for volunteers, organizations vary hugely as to how much they expect to come out of people's pockets. Some places have no free parking and don't reimburse; some have a membership or training fee (costs usually go back to supporting the volunteers); some have a philosophy that a volunteer never opens their wallet unless they are making a voluntary donation. Again, I think it is on the organization to be honest upfront about what they expect, and for the volunteer to choose an organization that matches what they can afford.

[NonprofitER]

My background is in nonprofits as well and right now I'm an ED.  I'm also a volunteer for a different organization AND sit on a different board as well.

Boards typically fall into a spectrum - "working boards" (usually founding boards and at small orgs) tend to consist of people who put their time and expertise into the organization and generally have a heavy hand in running programs, conducting business, etc.  At the opposite end of the spectrum "governing boards" typically do less of the day to day and are expected to lead through governance and fundraising.  But ALL nonprofit boards are legally required to provide 'fudiciary oversight' - essentially assuring the public that the nonprofit is acting responsibly with money.  The effect is that all boards should be, in some sense, about fundraising and most boards have a "give or get" policy spelled out in board expectations (you give personally or acquire donations in the amount of XYZ each year).

As an ED, I fundraise for my organization and give personally - usually toward the end of the year.  It's not required (in that my board members aren't scouring our database to see what I give personally), I think its part of being the leader.  As a board member of another organization, I give personally and/or seek corporate gifts/ Gifts in Kind, etc.  At the organization I volunteer for, I don't give monetarily, but I do keep rigorous records of my volunteer hours and mileage and share that with the org. 

I also have never asked my staff to give and I've never really gone looking to see if they do or don't.  I think its a power issue - I wouldn't want them to feel like I was asking them to give over and above what they already do.  I don't have the budget to increase pay and benefits widely for my staff, but I try to make up for it by giving them a lot of lateral room on work/life balance and flexible hours.  In other words, I recognize we're all working for low pay (compared to for profit roles) and I never expect them to be married to their emails on nights/ weekends, and give lots of free space to pick kids up from school, wait at home for a plumber, telecommute and so forth without a lot of fuss.  I think its a simple way to acknowledge my trust and appreciation. 

If I had a staff member who told me they couldn't give, I wouldn't bat an eye.  I'd be surprised if your boss really expected you to.  I wonder if that's not a reflection of the boss' internal and external pressure to fundraise by the board?

 

[Mrs. PoP]

When I was a teacher, we were "encouraged" to donate to the district's charity of choice, and payroll deductions for the donations were even an option.  Departments and schools were ranked against one another as a "motivational competition" to give more.  I didn't want to participate, so I declined and was glad I didn't succumb to the pressure.  Not only is that particular charity not ranked as effective with their $ as other charities I donate to, but the $50K+ opportunity cost of teaching every year (difference between my pay teaching and my pay after moving into private sector), felt like enough. 

[richschmidt]

I work for a non-profit and volunteer with a different non-profit as well. I don't think either organization is expecting to meet its yearly goals based on my contribution, but I also understand that things like number of donors and participation of volunteers and staff are questions that are asked on grant applications. If you believe in the organizations and are interested in donating, I think a token contribution would be as appreciated as a larger one.

You already said what I was going to mention: some grants look for the percentage of participation of board members. At least, that was true for some of the grants for one non-profit I was on the board of.  If you're on the board, and you're not donating, you're hurting/killing the organization's chance of receiving that grant.

Of course, that expectation should have been made clear to you before you joined the board.

I serve on the boards and exec. committees of several non-profits, as does my wife. And, as a pastor, my employer is a non-profit as well.  I certainly donate quite a bit back to my employer! :)  But I'm not familiar with other non-profits' expectations for employees, just board members.

One of those non-profits has a very clear dollar figure that every board member is expected to donate. Of course, we're free to give more, but the minimum expectation is clearly communicated.

In all cases, the board is responsible for making sure the organization has the funds it needs to accomplish its mission. Sure, if there's paid staff, then they are probably giving a good chunk of their time to fundraising and grant writing as well, but ultimately that responsibility falls to the board. Which often/always means digging into our own pockets, and not just the pockets of friends, neighbors, and funding agencies.

[Rural]

I don't give (much) to the charity whose board I chaired -- just stepped down to vice-chair and hope to step down further next year! I had to run the figures for a grant proposal today though, and I realized that 87% of last year's budget was funds from grants I wrote. Could you offer to proofread a grant proposal in lieu of funds?


Alternatively, I am asked to contribute to my college's foundation every year, and I do -- exactly $20. The reason they give for asking is that they sometimes need to show buy-in from the faculty, but that's expressed as the percentage who give with no reference to how much anyone gives. If that's the reason you're being asked, make it minimal and, if you wish, explain that you're on a budget but you want to be sure that percentage buy-in looks as good as possible.

[MrsPete]

I can relate to this.  It's not quite the same, but kids CONSTANTLY ask teachers to buy this or that fundraiser item.  I've become adept at saying no . . . but kindly. 

It's rare that a kid offers something I actually want, but it does happen:  For example, every spring the baseball team offers a card that's good for discounts at places around town, and it includes 10% off at the Chinese take-out we love.  And the boy scouts offer a similar card that has a one-time use $10 grocery store card attached, which means that the card ends up being free. 

[hoodedfalcon]

I guess going forward I should be very clear about my role on a board. I am just not able to contribute financially to multiple non-profits, as much as I would like to. I got involved because I am interested in the work they do, but for now I guess I should just steer clear from future obligations.

One of the reasons I brought this up is because everyone talks so much about volunteering their TIME instead of MONEY. But even when I thought I was volunteering my time, it actually made it more conspicuous when I didn't also donate money. I still think it's inappropriate for my employer to put so much pressure on staff to donate back to our organization. In order to keep the peace, I donated.

[CommonCents]

I guess going forward I should be very clear about my role on a board. I am just not able to contribute financially to multiple non-profits, as much as I would like to. I got involved because I am interested in the work they do, but for now I guess I should just steer clear from future obligations.

One of the reasons I brought this up is because everyone talks so much about volunteering their TIME instead of MONEY. But even when I thought I was volunteering my time, it actually made it more conspicuous when I didn't also donate money. I still think it's inappropriate for my employer to put so much pressure on staff to donate back to our organization. In order to keep the peace, I donated.

Perhaps write an anonymous letter to someone higher up in the organization (including the Board if necessary) regarding the pressure to donate.  Other than that, you've really only got a few options: 1) suck it up and pay, 2) keep quiet and don't pay, 3) approach HR or whomever qualifies as such, or 4) directly address your boss that you think this pressure is inappropriate and take any fallout that happens.  I guess you have one other option: When asked to donate, ask for a LOT of documents to do your due diligence on the organization, including requesting copies of the grant applications that ask for % of employee participation, generally making it so annoying to get your money that they give up.

Re thinking you were donating your time - I will also chime in that even if it was not said, I believe it is generally accepted and known there is an expectation of all boards that you donate money.  If you didn't know this, you probably didn't do enough research about what you were getting into when you decided to join it and that's a mistake that's on you.  (For example, as part of my diligence before joining the Board I'm now President of, I read minutes from past years and requested a copy of the D&O liability insurance.)  The only question is how much is expected.  Yours as discussed is an odd situation if your boss asked you to be on it, and we've provided a number of ideas how to handle it ranging from acceptance to more diplomatic to fairly direct.  Just pick what feels best to you and implement it.

[hoodedfalcon]

Re thinking you were donating your time - I will also chime in that even if it was not said, I believe it is generally accepted and known there is an expectation of all boards that you donate money.  If you didn't know this, you probably didn't do enough research about what you were getting into when you decided to join it and that's a mistake that's on you.  (For example, as part of my diligence before joining the Board I'm now President of, I read minutes from past years and requested a copy of the D&O liability insurance.)  The only question is how much is expected.  Yours as discussed is an odd situation if your boss asked you to be on it, and we've provided a number of ideas how to handle it ranging from acceptance to more diplomatic to fairly direct.  Just pick what feels best to you and implement it.

It was an odd situation since my boss handed it off to me. Also, since this was the first board for a new non-profit starting off under a three year federal grant, and that they still haven't officially separated from the granting organization, they weren't even able to accept donations until very recently. I get that as time moves on things evolve and so on and so forth. The upshot is I will gracefully decline when it comes time to sign up for another year.