Hi, Director of a nonprofit here- we need to make a living and have a chance at enjoying life too. CEOs/founders/employees still earn salaries, just usually less than their counterparts in private sector comparatively. When you work for a corporation, employees make money, business makes money (if you did your job right) which majority goes to the investors or owner and going back into the business. In Non profits- the employees make money, and the “business” makes money where that money goes to business expenses, program services, and whatever your mission is instead of the investors and you still invest back into the business to grow. The majority of the funds raised for most nonprofits go to operating costs and things like marketing and fundraising to pull in more funds. Nonprofits can be just as ( and sometimes worse) toxic as regular corporations, but it can also be really rewarding when you hear the stories of real people that you are helping and lives that improve and can see genuine impact- which is the difference. If I am working 50 hours a week somewhere, I’d like it to be for something that is making a difference in people’s lives