How Do Nonprofits Benefit Everyone?
Every person in the United States benefits from the work of nonprofits in one way or another, though most people don’t realize it. Nonprofits play a fundamental role in creating more equitable and thriving communities. And nonprofits can do even more by coming together to protect their legacy and their indispensable role in America’s future. Consider this: There’s a good chance that you or a family member has benefited from a nonprofit from one or more of the following services.
Entered the world in a nonprofit hospital. Nearly half of America’s hospitals are nonprofit organizations, so chances are you or someone you know was born in one.
Avoided polio through the work of March of Dimes. This organization raised research funds to discover a safe and effective vaccine, and you may have escaped other diseases because of scientific research by nonprofits
Inhaled cleaner air. Thanks to the work of public health nonprofits, America has tobacco-free restaurants.
Developed life skills. Conflict resolution and teamwork are life skills learned through such organizations as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, or other youth development organizations.
Academic education. Those who attended a nonprofit preschool, grade school, high school, college, or graduate school, perhaps with the support of a nonprofit scholarship, benefit from nonprofit organizations.
Enjoyed family vacations and natural wonders. Nonprofits provide educational and recreational experiences such as at the San Diego Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Or, if you’ve enjoyed the natural wonder and splendor of America’s forests, rivers, and open spaces, it’s due to the work of nonprofits committed to the environment and conservation.
Delighted in the arts. Nonprofit art performances are often the source of entertainment, so if you’ve laughed, relaxed, rejoiced, or were inspired by the arts, there’s a good chance it was the work of a nonprofit organization.
councilofnonprofits.org
Giving in America
The National Philanthropic Trust curates statistics from recent studies and reports about giving in the United States. Here are a few notable statistics from 2020.
Americans gave $471.44 billion. (This reflects a 5.1% increase from 2019.)
Corporate giving decreased to $16.88 billion. (A 6.1% decrease from 2019.)
Foundation giving increased to $88.55 billion. (A 19% increase from 2019.)
The largest source of charitable giving came from individuals at $324.10 billion or 69% of total giving. (In 5 of the last 6 years, charitable giving by individuals has grown.)
Where does the money go? In 2020, the majority of charitable dollars went to religion (28%), education (15%), human services (14%), grant-making foundations (12%), and for public-society benefit (10%). What’s more, 86% of affluent households maintained or increased their giving despite uncertainty about the pandemic and further spread of COVID-19.
nptrust.org
Did You Know?
Charitable nonprofits embody the best of America. They provide a way for people to work together for the common good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals and noblest causes. America’s 1.3 million charitable nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, enlighten and nurture people of every age, race, gender and socioeconomic status from coast to coast. They foster civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth and strengthen the fabric of communities. Every single day.
councilofnonprofits.org
