Non-Profit != Non-Talent

Left Wing media group Media Matters reported that this year they brought in $10 million and had some salaries in the low six figures (at least one journalist was paid over $120,000).  A media organization having a good year is a story in its own right, but what makes this more interesting to some people is that Media Matters is a non-profit organization.  Something about a non-profit paying salaries over $100k leaves some people (like Matt Drudge) with a bad taste in their mouths.

But, it’s a non-issue.  Yes, salaries may be a way for an organization to pay out profits while still claiming non-profit status.  But, there doesn’t seem to be any evidence that’s going on here.  Non-profits should be able to use salaries to attract top talent.  Some of these organizations are large and need experienced managers, or they need people with specialized skills (doctors, lawyers, engineers, economists).  I wouldn’t have paid that much for a journalist, but maybe he’s just that good.

Sure, people working for non-profits shouldn’t be in it for the money.  But, when people don’t want to volunteer to take lower pay than the for-profit market will give them, non-profits shouldn’t have their hands tied.  Punish fraud when it occurs, but otherwise let non-profits have the tools needed to get the job done.