169: Different Flavors, Same Ice Cream | How Can a Nonprofit Organization Offer Retirement Benefits? with Christopher Tipper

Your nonprofit is doing well, but you're worried you'll lose good employees if you don't offer retirement benefits. You've heard of a 401(k), but is that the right move?

I'm joined by Christopher Tipper of Hunter Benefits Consulting Group to break down retirement benefit options for small nonprofits. Christopher helps us wade through the alphabet soup of 403(b)s, 401(k)s, and simple IRAs.

Real Listener Question:

"I'm an Executive Director of a small org, and I've been advocating to my board that it's time to offer more benefits, including a 401(k). I realize it's a selfish ask since I'd benefit too, but I think it would help us recruit and retain good people. I started researching and I'm already in over my head. How do I even begin?"

Christopher and I walk through the retirement plan options that actually make sense for small nonprofits, why the 401(k) isn't always the best fit, and what the ED needs to know before pitching this to their board.

What You'll Learn:

• What retirement plan options nonprofits can consider and which ones actually make sense
• Why a simple IRA might be the easiest and cheapest option for small orgs
• What a 403(b) is and why only 501(c)(3) organizations can offer one
• Why the "highly compensated employee" definition is not what you think it is
• What compliance really costs and what to budget per eligible employee
• Why AI is genuinely dangerous for retirement plan advice

Bottom line: If you're the ED asking whether it's a conflict of interest to advocate for retirement benefits, stop worrying. The board decides. Your job is to make the case, not to feel guilty about being included.

Resources from this Episode

• Learn about Christopher Tipper's firm at https://hunterbenefits.com/
• Watch Christopher's videos: https://www.youtube.com/@Hunter_Benefits
• Previous Episode: https://birkenlaw.com/charity-therapy-podcast/ct168-flat-org-structre-pablo-otaola
• Episode Transcript: https://birkenlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CT169_Transcript.pdf

Connect with Us

• Jess Birken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbirken/
• Christopher Tipper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophertipper/

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