Retirement Benefits for Member Nonprofits
Offering competitive retirement benefits is one of the most meaningful ways nonprofits can invest in their people. Through The Nonprofit Partnership, member organizations have access to streamlined, nonprofit-friendly retirement plan options designed to reduce administrative burden while helping staff plan for long-term financial security.
Our primary retirement solution is a Multiple Employer 401(k) Plan with Merrill Lynch, with an additional Simple IRA option through Equitable Advisors for organizations seeking a simpler structure.
Multiple Employer 401(k) Plan
Offered through Merrill Lynch
The NPP Multiple Employer 401(k) (MEAP) is our flagship retirement benefit offering and is designed specifically to meet the needs of nonprofits of all sizes.
By joining this shared plan, participating nonprofits gain access to the scale, expertise, and infrastructure typically available only to much larger organizations — without taking on the full administrative and fiduciary burden alone.
Key Benefits of the NPP 401(k) Plan
- Reduced Administrative Responsibility: The plan centralizes many fiduciary and administrative functions, easing the workload on nonprofit staff and leadership.
- Cost Efficiency Through Scale: Pooling multiple nonprofits into one plan helps lower overall costs compared to standalone 401(k) plans.
- Professional Investment Management: Merrill Lynch provides institutional-level investment options and guidance.
- Attractive Recruitment & Retention Tool: A competitive 401(k) plan helps nonprofits attract and retain talented staff in a challenging labor market.
- Compliance & Fiduciary Support: The plan is structured to support regulatory compliance and best practices.
Who Should Consider the NPP 401(k)?
- Nonprofits seeking a robust, long-term retirement solution
- Organizations with multiple employees
- Employers looking to minimize risk and administrative complexity
- Nonprofits wanting to offer a benefit comparable to larger organizations
Alternative Option: Simple IRA
Offered through Equitable Advisors
For nonprofits that may not yet be ready for a full 401(k) plan, NPP also offers access to a Simple IRA through Equitable Advisors.
This option is designed for smaller organizations or those seeking a more straightforward retirement benefit with fewer administrative requirements.
Simple IRA Highlights
- Easier setup and ongoing administration
- Employer contribution required (per IRS rules)
- Lower complexity compared to a 401(k)
- Appropriate for organizations with fewer employees or limited capacity
Choosing the Right Retirement Plan
Every nonprofit is different — and the right retirement plan depends on your organization’s size, structure, and long-term goals. The Nonprofit Partnership is here to help you understand your options and determine which plan best fits your needs.
Whether you’re exploring participation in the NPP Multiple Employer 401(k) Plan with Merrill Lynch or considering the Simple IRA through Equitable Advisors, we can walk you through the differences and help you decide what makes the most sense for your organization.
Interested in learning more or getting started?
Contact Emmy Geiger, Director of Strategy & Partnerships, at EGeiger@YourNPP.org to discuss your options, ask questions, and get guidance on next steps. Emmy can help you evaluate which retirement plan best aligns with your nonprofit’s goals and capacity.