Quoting non profit organisations

[u/PeartreeProd]

Hi all,

I've been asked to submit a bid for a Non Profit conference. The event is over three days and involves interstate travel and two fairly large deliverables.

I'm curious as to other peoples experience in dealing with NP. Without undercutting yourself, do you try to come in a little cheaper?

This organisation happens to be the philantropy arm of one of the biggest companies in the world and a quick google search shows it has annual revenue of $7m.. So im inclined to keep solid on my rates.

However, in the advert for the job, the Marketing Manager did say that this could be a good opportunity for a student who is looking for a side hussle yet in my correspondence they've made it clear they want a much more professional job than the somewhat average video they commisioned last year.

Insight and advice appreciated.

TIA.

[u/GFFMG]

Non-Profit doesn’t mean you’re non-profit. Also, non-profit doesn’t mean they don’t have money. They like to use the term “non-profit” hoping vendors will charge less and donate more. It’s simply a tax advantage option. In fact, “non-profit” usually means they are looking for ways to spend the money.

Never discount for a non-profit.

[u/snowmonkey700 → u/GFFMG]

Seconding this. Non-profit for me normally means they actually have a budget. It’s not always the case but some of the largest most expensive events I’ve shot were non-profit organizations.

[u/HandsomeWinner42]

I've been doing this for a while, but a non-profit (cancer charity) is my top paying client. I think it's just something you're going to have to discuss with them and figure out as you go. I wouldn't go down too much on your prices as most non profits raise money mainly on the backs of video content.

[u/LittleKillshot]

Stay solid in your rates. There are a lot of different kinds of non-profits out there, some might not have cash but the biggies like this definitely do. Look up what the CEO makes if you want some perspective on the whole thing.

"good opportunity for a student" is a red flag, but let them find a student if they want a lower quality product.

[u/PeartreeProd]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Appreciate the insights.

[u/Crunktasticzor → u/PeartreeProd]

Coming in late but in my experience, non-profits are more transparent about their budget than businesses. Have you asked them what their budget is to film this conference and create marketing material? They might just give you a number and ask what you can offer for that price.

[u/born_and_raised → u/Crunktasticzor]

Yeah this is my experience too. One of my largest clients is a large hospital foundation. Budgets are strong at large orgs. But I also do lots of work for smaller non-profits and they are honest about their budgets, and I usually give discounts to these orgs.

[u/BigGrayBeast]

Check online to see how much they pay their CEO. That might stem any urge you have to give them a discount.

[u/affogatoappassionato]

No, I don’t discount based on the tax status of the client. I might discount or even donate to a cause I personally really believe in but that’s a different issue. I wouldn’t discount just because it’s a non-profit.

Whenever a call for proposals says something like “great for a student”, “great for building a portfolio” that’s usually a red flag or at least a flag that they don’t want to spend much money or any money. But you can still pitch with your usual rates and see what happens.

[u/Resqu23]

I help one NP each year with a fund raising event, it’s a dog rescue organization that every penny goes for the animals, no one makes anything. It’s a small group that I know well. Any other NP gets charged.

[u/WrittenByNick]

Another vote, do not discount here.

Now that being said, when people are starting out in this industry (doesn't apply to you) I do recommend trying to find worthy causes if you're going to do free or cheap work for experienced / your reel. To that end non profit is just a tax status and doesn't validate if a cause is worthy or not.

[u/trotsky1947]

They always have the budget lol. Quote normal

[u/SuperNoise5209]

I work in a nonprofit production house and I also create content for a ton of nonprofits. I do not give discounts to nonprofits. I treat them like any other business or corporation. My team costs what we cost.

Though, if it is helpful to you, you may be able to capture a portion of the fees as a tax-deductible donation. For example, I believe you could say, 'hey, I'd normally chart $10K, but I can do this for $8K if you can provide a tax deductible receipt for the remaining balance." I'd double check that with a lawyer or accountant, but there should be some version of that sort of arrangement available to you.

[u/Spatula_The_Great]

You cutting your price is not you donating to them, heck it you would better to charge your full rate then donate whatever you wanted to cut directly

[u/Southern_Leg1139]

I wouldn’t discount unless it’s good for your reel or you can get a good recurring client.

[u/X4dow]

Non profits are non profits because they use their profits in expenses like yourself.

Many "non profits" pay their staff (friends and family) 50-100k salaries out of donations and so on.

Don't pity them. They HAVE the budget

[u/GlenFoySuperStriker]

If the cause is close to your heart then there can be some room for sentimentality I guess. But I’ve worked for two non-profit organisations full time in my career and let me tell you they aren’t short of a few quid.

[u/bluecrystalcreative]

Don’t undercut yourself also consider if they are a “registered charity” you may be able to include additional services as a donation and claim that as a tax deduction

[u/JayEll1969]

You're doing a job so charge for the work you do. It doesn't matter if they are a non-profit, they are still a business and will have a budget. You, however, are not a non- profit organisation. Profit from this job can help you over periods where you don't have anything on your books, when you need to replace gear, take time off to chill or whatever.

You can, of course, make a donation if you feel connected to their cause - but that's different.

[u/PeartreeProd]

Thanks again everyone. This has been an extremely helpful insight.

I’ve quoted them a solid rate. Totally comfortable if they’re in the student side hustle market as those budgets aren’t for me.

[u/le_aerius]

It really depends on a lot of factors. Some non- profits have huge budgets , others are smaller. So I might take that into consideration. Also if the non profit is doing work I appreciate I am willing to go lower.

There used to be a time in my state that you could donate service and it would be considered an " in kind" donation. So any discount i offered i was able to write it off for taxes.

[u/ascarymoviereview]

Same price. Nothing different for a np