Female Non-Profit Executives Narrow Gender Pay Gap

The United Way and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management today released their latest survey on wages and benefits in the Pittsburgh region. In 2002, female executive directors of non-profits earned about 67 cents for every dollar earned by men. Today’s figure is up about a nickel to 72 cents.

The United Way’s Robert Nelkin says in spite of slow progress, it is good news that women are closing the gap. He thinks the survey will help because the first step in rectifying the inequity is awareness.

However, the recession makes this a very difficult time for non-profits, according to Nelkin, in four areas: increased need because of unemployment and underemployment, fewer donations, less state money for human services because of budget deficits, and difficulty in getting credit when cash is low.

The 2008 survey includes responses from almost 200 non-profits.