Compensation Structure Explorer
Compare three common approaches to compensating lived experience partners and find the best fit for your organization.
Hourly Rate
Pay for specific hours worked
Members are compensated based on documented hours. Provides flexibility and clear tracking of time invested.
Fixed Stipend
Regular monthly payment
Members receive a consistent amount each month regardless of hours. Simplifies administration and provides predictability.
Employment
Formal employment with benefits
Members are hired as employees with salary, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
hourly Compensation
Member Perspective
Advantages
Flexibility
Members can engage as much or as little as their schedule allows
Fair Compensation
Payment directly reflects time invested in the work
Control Over Income
Members can increase earnings by taking on more hours
Challenges
Income Variability
Members may have unpredictable income month-to-month
No Benefits
Typically does not include health insurance or other benefits
Time Tracking Burden
Members must carefully track and document all hours
Payment Delays
Processing time can create gaps between work and payment
Organization Perspective
Advantages
Scalability
Easy to scale up or down based on project needs
Clear Tracking
Straightforward documentation of hours worked
Budget Control
Pay only for actual hours worked, not a fixed amount
Flexibility
Can adjust member involvement based on current needs
Challenges
Administrative Burden
Requires tracking and processing variable hours each pay period
Inconsistent Engagement
Member availability may fluctuate, affecting project continuity