Nonprofits Support Community, Economy
The value of nonprofits cannot be overstated. Nonprofit organizations provide countless important and necessary direct services to individuals and families and also serve as an economic engine in our communities.
Statewide, the impact of nonprofits on our economy is staggering. Nonprofits employ nearly 14 percent of the state’s workforce (450,000 jobs) which is more than any other single sector and more than local, state and federal government jobs combined. Nonprofits also provide local jobs that cannot be outsourced and produce salaries that stay in our communities. Coming out of the last recession, the nonprofit sector was the first to add jobs and, in Central Massachusetts, nonprofits pump nearly $4 billion dollars into the economy each year.
Most importantly, nonprofits serve people’s needs in ways others are unable or unwilling to do. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MA/MetroWest works to enhance the quality of life of at-risk children and their families. The United Way of Central Massachusetts addresses the human service needs of the community through community convening, encouraging volunteerism and financial support. The YWCA of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting overall peace.
Nonprofits affect all of our lives and make our communities vibrant and healthy. Local churches run food pantries. Veteran’s groups counsel returning Iraq veterans. Pop Warner and Babe Ruth Leagues keep our kids off the streets. We rarely, if ever, recognize that all of these organizations — those that house the homeless, educate our children, run our museums, and provide essential medical services — share the common identity of being part of this critical nonprofit sector.
During the current economic downturn, community members from all walks of life have struggled in some way: small businesses have closed, jobs have been lost, personal bankruptcy has been filed, homes have been foreclosed, and government budgets have been slashed. Many of those who were once donors are now recipients of services, with more and more people turning to nonprofits to help them through these tough times.
Nonprofit organizations are helping communities wade through the perils of this recession by supporting individuals and addressing community issues, yet many nonprofits themselves are struggling. With reductions in foundation funding and donations, nonprofits are straining to meet the increased need for their services on a tighter budget than ever before.
There are widespread and extensive discussions going on within the nonprofit sector about how to stay strong and vibrant during these hard times. These essential community organizations need support and assistance to continue to serve those in need. To help, you can volunteer your time or services, you can advocate at the local and state levels, and you can learn about the local organizations that could use your help.
Now more than ever, the nonprofits and the results they accomplish are essential to the health and vitality of our communities. And now, more than ever, those nonprofit organizations need added support from the community to reach their goals and to continue making a difference.
David Magnani is the executive director of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. Timothy J. Garvin is the CEO of the United Way of Central Massachusetts.
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