Not-for-Profit Assets Rebound to Over $1T

Total not-for-profit market assets increased 29% since March 31, 2009. 403(b) plans continue to be the dominant plan type in the market, making up 49% of total assets, while 457 plans accounted for 28% and other not-for-profit plan types accounted for 23%, according to the report. 

First quarter 2010 contributions increased 8% compared with the first quarter last year; however, LIMRA noted that some variation in contributions represents transfers associated with takeover business. 

Over $7 billion entered 403(b) plans in the first quarter 2010—a decrease of 4% compared with first quarter 2009. Nearly $3 billion went into mutual funds while $785 million went into variable annuities, $425 million into fixed annuities, and the rest into group annuity contracts. 

In the first quarter 2010, $4 billion entered 457 plans. Mutual funds took in 66% of the quarter’s 457 contributions. 

Contributions of $4.5 billion entered other not-for-profit plans in the first quarter 2010, with mutual funds receiving 79% of those contributions. 

The research said 200,000 new participants were reported for not-for-profit market plans during the first quarter 2010. 

Among market segments for all plan types, the college and university segment has the largest percent of assets at 37%; however, among companies that report 403(b) market segments, the largest percent of contributions, assets (35%), and participants are in the hospital and health care segment. 

The report noted that transfer business has resulted in a boost of 401(a) other not-for-profit contributions in the first quarter. Nearly 70% of other not-for-profit assets belong to 401(k) hospital and health care (21%), 401(k) other not-for-profit (25%), and 401(a) other not-for-profit (22%).  

The quarterly report examines 30 service providers’ contributions, assets, and participants in 403(b), 457, and other not-for-profit market plans. Contributions and participants correspond to full-service assets only.