Wisconsin Nonprofit Sector Report 2009 Released

Here are some numbers worth repeating:
  • 33,000 nonprofits operate in Wisconsin.
  • The Wisconsin nonprofit workforce is 13th largest in the nation.
  • The Wisconsin nonprofit sector employs nearly 250,000 residents, or 10% of the total Wisconsin workforce.
  • In 2005, the most recent data, our nonprofit sector grew employment in Wisconsin by 5.2%.
  • In 2006, we held assets of more than $43 billion, and had more than $25 billion in expenditures, which showed significant growth over the previous 10 years.

 

2009 Wisconsin Nonprofit Sector Report
Released July 2009

Executive Summary

A state’s economy is driven by three sectors: public, private, and nonprofit. Enormous amounts of data and information are collected about the private and public sectors. Various governmental bodies, private organizations, and trade associations attempting to promote these sectors collect data regarding their employment and economic impact. However, little data is collected about the nonprofit sector, placing this sector at a comparative disadvantage during the discussions concerning economic activity, output, and most importantly, impact. This disadvantage becomes crucial during the government appropriations process.

Nonprofit organizations are often commended for their contribution as a “safety net” providing valuable services to our state’s residents, but rarely are these organizations cited for the contributions they make to our state’s overall economic vitality and success. The general failure to recognize the economic benefits of nonprofits means that key decisions regarding the growth and support of this sector are being made without complete information.

We know that nonprofits impact much more than the constituents they serve directly. The Wisconsin Nonprofits Association presents this report, in collaboration with the National Council of Nonprofits and the Urban Institute’s National Center for Charitable Statistics, to promote a better understanding and appreciation of our state’s nonprofit community.

 

Download the full report HERE.

If you have questions or comments on the contents of this report, please contact Mary Riordan, Executive Director, Wisconsin Nonprofits Association at mriordan@WisconsinNonprofits.org or 608-772-5962.