Nonprofits have a wide array of retirement plan options to support their employees' financial futures, from 403(b) and 457(b) plans to SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs. These plans offer various benefits, from pre-tax savings and employer contributions to simplified administration tailored for smaller organizations.
A 403(b) plan is available to non-governmental non-profit entities. This plan type is exempt from certain compliance testing and has fewer investment options than a 401(k).
401(k) plans and 403(b) plans offer very similar benefits. As such, one isn't really better than the other. The main difference is that each plan is offered to employees of different types of companies. Another key difference between the plans is that 403(b) plans also offer a $15,000 catch-up.
403(b)'s, also known as Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) plans, are exclusively available to certain tax-exempt organizations (e.g., 501(c)(3)'s, schools, etc.) while 401(k)s can be used by any employer (private companies or nonprofits).
Nonprofit organizations typically use 403(b) plans, 401(k) plans, SIMPLE IRA plans, and other retirement plans for employees.
Employers have a variety of retirement plan offerings across several categories, including defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, traditional retirement plans, and non-traditional retirement plans. Each of these plans are designed to meet unique savings goals, company sizes, and monthly budgets.
403(b) 403(b) plans are similar to 401(k)s in the respect that they are both qualified tax-advantaged retirement vehicles offered by employers. However, 403(b) plans differ in that they are only available to certain government employees (schools and hospitals) and non-profit organizations.
Guaranteed Income (i.e. Social Security, Annuities) Pension plans (i.e., defined benefit plans) IRAs.
Though 401(k)s are primarily offered by larger for-profit companies, many nonprofit entities also offer 401(k) plans to their employees. In fact, many nonprofit organizations may choose to offer both a 401(k) and a 403(b).