How could a nonprofit NOT be Impactful

Written By Avery Burns

Written by: Julian Nolasco’ 25, English Major at the University of Delaware

In a world where money makes the world go round, people tend to feel like they’ve been left behind. Fortunately enough, we have nonprofit organizations that make huge impacts on those who feel they have to fend for themselves. Communities all around the world are being taken care of due to the impact of these non-profit organizations. We see this impact worldwide, nationally, and even in our own communities. A lot of the time, these organizations go under the radar or are underappreciated, but they’re some of the most integral parts of our society.

On December 10th, 2024, Forbes released their top 100 charities list, showing billions of dollars listed under total revenue accumulated by these organizations. These non-profits help thousands of people on a large scale, whether it’s in Feeding America (domestic needs), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (medical), Habitat for Humanity International (international needs), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (youth), or much more. They have proven to be a huge contributor worldwide, and donations aren’t the only way we see this.

Nonprofits Supply:

Nonprofits have been one of the biggest suppliers of homes, jobs, food, and much more. There is a supply and demand not only for being alive, but to be able to live, that nonprofits can provide. As of 2023, over 2 million nonprofits were operating in the United States. Here’s a more detailed look at what these nonprofits are doing to impact communities around America.

● Food

  • In 2023, Feeding America estimated that more than 50 million people received charitable food assistance.

  • These numbers come from the distributions via food banks, food pantries, community fridges, and other private food assistance programs.

  • These charitable food assistance programs allow food-insecure individuals to have access to meals.

  • The impact that these nonprofits cannot go unnoticed, as recent data from 2023 shows food insecurity rates have risen 38% since 2021.

  • 47 million people (14 million children) are living in a food-insecure household, and this number will continue to rise, especially with the increasing rates of current economic conditions.

  • Nonprofit organizations make a huge impact in combating food insecurity

● Education

  • The topic of education is important as it's one of the most vital parts of a child’s development and is a privilege. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t able to have these opportunities, but that’s where nonprofit organizations can step in.

  • Education is seen to be largely impacted by nonprofit organizations.

  • An example of this is Room to Read, founded in 2000, which helps children in low-income communities develop reading and other literacy skills, while supporting girls to build skills to further their education.

  • In 2024, the organization benefited more than 39 million children.

  • This is one of the many examples of nonprofit organizations helping children in need.

● Economy

  • Nonprofit organizations even impact our economy in ways that many take for granted.

  • In 2020, Nonprofits employed over 12.3 million people, with their payrolls exceeding almost all other U.S. payrolls.

  • In Delaware alone, 11.9% of jobs are related to nonprofits.

  • Nonprofit organizations in themselves also consume, distributing to the creation of more jobs.

  • Nonprofits have spent close to 1 trillion dollars annually on services and other expenses.

Nonprofit organizations are an essential part of our society and can be completely overlooked, but it’s impact cannot be denied. Nonprofits have a ripple effect that creates opportunities for growth, love, and most importantly, impact.

Resources:

Avery Burns
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