I was asked to join a nonprofit startup led by an instructor of mine as an unpaid treasurer to help manage their books.

6 Comments

1. ChrishoggApril 17,2024 at 1:30PM UTC

   I'm pretty sure you have all kinds of questions. And your questions would be different than my questions.

   Pick the 10 most important ones to you, and ask those.

   Then, when you get your answers, if you still have more "deal breaker" questions, ask those, perhaps over the phone or in another meeting (keep it light, but no more than 5), and then decide whether or not to accept.

2. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 1:44PM UTC

   I am also volunteering at a Not for profit as their treasurer, they elected me as a board member so I am in all executive board meetings (weekly monthly retreat) and I set financial policies am the approver for all financial topics I oversee accounting tax staff and agencies, it feels very fulfilling to contribute to a cause (everyone on the board is volunteering their time) you only get reimbursed for expenses like travel

   We have accounting tax financial staff that are paid doing financial work, if they only want your free service you should not do it - have them pay for your expertise and advise we pay out accountant a fee for their service. If they want you take governance over the organizational financial topics (balance sheet cash mgmt investment policy) and be a spokesperson, and you share their passion and have the time to spend then take the role. It will consume a lot of time from you outside your work. You have to be prepared for that. I hope this helps. Thanks

3. AnonymousApril 17,2024 at 2:07PM UTC

   I see nothing wrong with volunteering, a terrific opportunity for career and personal experience.

   Just make sure you know your boundaries- easily to be taken advantage of. Been there.

4. Tami L CannizzaroApril 17,2024 at 2:51PM UTC

   I've done something similar.
   If you like the organization, I say go for it - volunteer work is not only good for the soul but also good on your resume. What I did: in my mind (not spoken out loud) I set a short-term goal of 1 year to see how it went. That gave both me and the organization time ramp up. What I kept my eyes open for: Are they paying any consultants for work? Is this volunteer work become too much, in addition to my job, family and other commitments? You don't want to resent your time with the non profit. At ours, we found board positions that required a bit more expertise, such as finance or accounting, also need to turn over at about 2 years to prevent the person from burn out. As the organization grows, and if you find they are paying consultants for work, perhaps you could see if they are willing to switch your role to consultant for a small fee.

5. Eileen MApril 18,2024 at 9:23AM UTC

   The feedback on other comments have been great reminders on what to look out for and encouragement to follow your heart. Putting myself in your shoes, I would want a contract -- something in writing clearing articulating where you volunteer role ends and where the NFP leaders/board members need to certify and make final financial decisions. Would you be covered under their liability insurance? The answer to this should aid in crafting the contract.

   I'd also be considering 'what's in it for me?' besides intrinsic devotion. Is there a tipping point where you'll receive something in return like a seat on the advisory board that could boost your career portfolio.

   Lastly, I'd listen to my heart when responsibilities or requests are going past volunteer support to taking ownership of financial decisions. You want to protect yourself and your reputation.

6. AnonymousApril 22,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

   If they are asking you to be their treasurer as a volunteer, insist that they put you on their board of directors and stipulate/limit the number of your hours.
   Non-profit laws require that board members be unpaid, and being on the board of a non-profit is a great resume item (Treasurers are often board advisors if paid). Hours worked per week/month is an IRS reporting requirement on their yearly 990 forms. If you need to work more than the maximum, they can hire you as a contract worker for larger projects, but will still have to report what you were paid and why.