The Value of Nonprofit Organizations: Why They Matter for Communities and Beyond?
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
Nonprofit organizations play a fundamental role in society, providing essential services and support to communities around the world. These organizations are driven by a mission to serve the greater good, rather than by a profit motive. While some may question the effectiveness or necessity of nonprofit organizations, their impact is undeniable. From providing access to education and healthcare, and free mental health services to supporting disaster relief efforts and advocating for human rights, nonprofits are an integral part of our society.
“The term “nonprofit” means different things to many different people. It is a commonly used word without a common understanding between writer and reader. People often use the words “nonprofit” and “tax exempt” interchangeably [1] .” “A nonprofit organization or foundation (NPO), also known as non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is dedicated to furthering a particular social cause or advocating for a shared point of view [2] .”
According to ZIPPIA [3] : 80% of all nonprofit revenue comes from government grants; online giving nonprofits increased by 12.1% in 2021; there were 1.26 million U.S. nonprofit organizations in 2000. As of 2016, there are 1.54 million nonprofits in the United States; 45% of surveyed nonprofit employees say they will likely quit their jobs by 2025, indicating high rates of burnout in these organizations; nonprofit organizations represent 5.7% of the US economy, and other important data that you can consult in the attached link https://www.zippia.com/advice/nonprofit-statistics/#:~:text=There%20are%20over%201.5%20million,based%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=Nonprofit%20organizations%20represent%205.7%25%20of%20the%20U.S.%20economy.
Arkansas State University [4] considers that, “nonprofit organizations play a growing role in the social and economic wellbeing of the United States. They provide services, goods and resources to meet community needs. They are businesses, most often charitable, that assist other businesses in the community to drive economic development, the arts, cultural awareness, education, health and spiritually in virtually every sector of society”.
In conclusion, supporting nonprofit organizations is crucial for the wellbeing of our communities. These organizations are often at the forefront of addressing pressing social and environmental issues, and their work can have a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. By supporting nonprofits, we not only help to address immediate needs and alleviate suffering, but we also contribute to building a more equitable and just society for all.
Neighbors’ Consejo [5] is a nonprofit public charity that since 1995 has been providing free mental health and community support services to our neediest neighbors in Washington, D.C. If you would like to “join hands” to help our neighbors in Washington D.C., please go to https://neighborsc.org/donate/, thank you.
[1]https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/what-nonprofit
[2]https://www.foundationlist.org/news/what-is-a-nonprofit-the-types-of-nonprofits-definitions/
[3]https://www.zippia.com/advice/nonprofit-statistics/#:~:text=There%20are%20over%201.5%20million,based%20in%20the%20United%20States.&text=Nonprofit%20organizations%20represent%205.7%25%20of%20the%20U.S.%20economy.