KCAO Encourages Nonprofits to Participate in 2026 California Nonprofit Compensation Study

Kings Community Action Organization is encouraging nonprofit organizations across Northern California to participate in the 2026 California Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Survey, a statewide study designed to help nonprofits attract and retain talent through fair and competitive pay practices.

The annual survey is published by Nonprofit Compensation Associates and provides comprehensive compensation and benefits data tailored specifically to the nonprofit sector. Participation is now open, with a deadline of February 13, 2026, and the final report scheduled for publication on April 13, 2026.

California’s nonprofit sector employs roughly ten percent of the state’s workforce and continues to face economic uncertainty, inflation, shifting funding sources, and evolving government policies. The 2026 survey offers nonprofit leaders critical data not available elsewhere, including local salary benchmarks, benefits trends, and workforce insights that support informed decision making.

The survey collects compensation and benefits data for more than two hundred nonprofit job classifications and includes detailed information on base pay, bonuses, paid time off, insurance, retirement benefits, salary increases, employee turnover, and workplace policies. This year’s survey also includes new job categories in administrative, animal care, education and recreation, conservation and environment, and medical and clinical fields.

In addition, the 2026 survey features an updated “Impact of the Economic and Political Environment” section, with new questions related to government grants and contracts, artificial intelligence use, and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.

Last year, more than seven hundred nonprofits across forty eight Northern California counties participated, reporting data on over forty one thousand jobs, making the study one of the largest nonprofit compensation surveys in the region’s history.

KCAO participates in the survey annually and is sharing this opportunity with partner organizations to help strengthen the nonprofit sector as a whole. By contributing data, nonprofits help ensure the report reflects the real conditions facing organizations of all sizes and service areas.

To participate in the 2026 survey, visit www.nonprofitcomp.com, email Nonprofit Compensation Associates at survey@nonprofitcomp.com or call 510-645-1005.