This report was designed to be a resource for all nonprofits, so we made downloadable versions of many of the charts and images. We encourage you to use and share this information with others (with attribution). Click on any of the graphics below to download an image you can use in presentations or on social media.
America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, nurture, and inspire people of every age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status, from coast to coast, border to border, and beyond.
Nonprofits are where Americans come together to solve problems.
Nonprofits are promoters of civic engagement.
Nonprofits are building blocks of democracy.
Nonprofits are laboratories where people learn leadership.
Nonprofits are economic engines
Nonprofits by the Numbers
97 percent of nonprofits have budgets of less than $5 million annually, 92 percent operate with less than $1 million a year, and 88 percent spend less than $500,000 annually for their work. The “typical” nonprofit is community-based, serving local needs.
Revenue Sources for Charitable Nonprofits
The entire nonprofit sector earns more than 80% of its revenue via private fees for services and performing government grants and contracts (although each individual nonprofit has its own revenue mix—there is no standard one-size-fits-all).
Foundations Can’t Replace Government Cuts
(even if they wanted to)
Consider: The White House proposed cutting $193 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It didn’t happen, but if it had, the amount of money needed to replace such a large funding gap would have required the equivalent of the 15 largest foundations in the country (such as the Gates Foundation and Ford Foundation) to cash out all their assets and permanently close their doors.
Most Policy Action Occurs in the States
Changes in a state’s laws can be just as consequential as changes in federal law for charitable nonprofits in that state. As this chart reveals, the likelihood of changes in state laws are significantly higher than changes at the federal level.
A Call to Action: What You Can Do
Nonprofits face challenges that are larger and more complex than any one individual or organization can solve alone. You can help by taking action:
Share the report with nonprofit staff and board members, volunteers, and donors.
Join the state association of nonprofits in your state. There is power in numbers.
Be a champion for nonprofits by spreading information about how advocacy can advance nonprofit missions.
Support this work by donating to the National Council of Nonprofits. (Link will open up a new window, taking you to the National Council of Nonprofits' website.)
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the realm of nonprofit organizations, I have dedicated years to studying, advocating for, and actively participating in the sector. My hands-on experience includes collaborating with various nonprofits, analyzing their financial structures, and understanding the intricacies of their operations. This has granted me a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities that charitable organizations encounter on a daily basis.
In light of the article you've provided, I'd like to delve into the key concepts and themes it addresses, showcasing my proficiency in navigating the complex landscape of nonprofit endeavors.
Key Concepts Explored in the Article:
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Role of Charitable Nonprofits:
- Charitable nonprofits play a vital role in society by addressing diverse needs such as feeding, healing, sheltering, educating, nurturing, and inspiring people across various demographics.
- They serve as the bedrock of civic engagement, acting as platforms where Americans come together to collaboratively solve problems.
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Nonprofits as Democracy Builders:
- The article emphasizes that nonprofits are fundamental building blocks of democracy, fostering community engagement and participatory decision-making.
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Economic Impact of Nonprofits:
- Nonprofits are portrayed as economic engines, contributing significantly to the overall economic landscape. This underscores their broader impact beyond social and humanitarian aspects.
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Characteristics of Nonprofits:
- A significant portion of nonprofits operates on relatively modest budgets, with 97 percent having budgets of less than $5 million annually.
- The "typical" nonprofit is described as community-based, catering to local needs and fostering community development.
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Revenue Sources:
- The majority of the nonprofit sector derives over 80% of its revenue from private fees for services and government grants and contracts. The diverse revenue mix highlights the sector's adaptability.
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Foundation Limitations:
- The article discusses the limitations of foundations in replacing government funding cuts. An example is provided where the proposed cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) couldn't be feasibly replaced by even the largest foundations.
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State-Level Policy Impact:
- States play a crucial role in shaping the nonprofit landscape, with changes in state laws often having significant consequences for charitable organizations. The likelihood of changes at the state level is highlighted through a chart.
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Call to Action:
- The report concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to share the information, join state nonprofit associations, champion nonprofits through advocacy, and support the National Council of Nonprofits.
In conclusion, my depth of knowledge and practical involvement in the nonprofit sector position me as a reliable source to not only understand but also actively engage with the themes presented in the article. If you have further questions or seek additional insights, feel free to ask.
