46 Nonprofit Statistics You Should Know: 2024 Financial, Donor & Volunteer Data

Nonprofits can be a force for good in the world, whether they are organized as charitable institutions, civic leagues, social welfare organizations, or social advocacy groups. They can tackle a variety of issues, ranging from healthcare to animal welfare to arts and culture. In a world where societal problems are aggravated by the pandemic, nonprofits give assurance that there are people ready to help those who are in need.

In this compilation of nonprofit statistics, readers can know all about general nonprofit statistics, their financials, as well as donor and volunteer demographics and behavior. Those interested to learn more about them can gain a nonprofit industry overview by perusing the data. Meanwhile, those employed in the nonprofit sector can use the insights herein, along with their chosen donor management software to effectively manage their organization.

General Nonprofit Statistics

Revenues earned by nonprofits are usually plowed back into the organization to achieve its primary purpose. In the past two years, total revenue and program revenue for nonprofits in the United States have reached billions. In fact, nonprofit statistics from 2019 was one of the highest years ever recorded in the US for charitable giving. On the other hand, income for United Kingdom charities has likewise reached billions.

In the US, there are nearly two million nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(3) charities. The most prevalent type of nonprofits in the US are churches and religious organizations, followed by civic, social, and business organizations. Meanwhile, there are over 180,000 charities in the UK.

Value of Nonprofits

• According to a nonprofit industry overview, the total revenue from nonprofits in 2019 was over $84.7 billion. This figure is 5% greater than 2018 figures. (The Nonprofit Times, 2019)
• The program revenue of the largest nonprofit organizations in the US amounted to $21.4 billion in 2019. (The Nonprofit Times, 2019)
• Program revenue from the largest nonprofits in the US amounted to $21.4 billion in 2019. (The Nonprofit Times, 2019)
• In 2019, nine organizations from the top nonprofits in the US reported investment incomes of more than $100 million. (The Nonprofit Times, 2019)
• Total income and endowments for charities in England and Wales amounted to £77,825,024,292. (Charity Commission for England and Wales, 2021)
• Charitable giving by individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations amounted to $449.64 billion in 2019 in the US. 2019 was one of the highest years ever for charitable giving. (Giving USA, 2020)

Number of Nonprofits by Geography and Cause

• There are 1.5 million tax-exempt nonprofits in the US. (NANOE, 2019)
• As of 2020, there are 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the US. On the other hand, there are 1.7 million active nonprofit organizations in the US, which include various types of nonprofits and 501(c)(3) charities. (Cause IQ, 2020)
• Meanwhile, there are 1.4 million active charities or 501(c)(3) nonprofits that receive tax-deductible donations. (Cause IQ, 2020)
• Churches, schools, and foundations make up about 40% of all nonprofits in the US. On the other hand, 15% is made up of civil, social, and business engagement organizations. Meanwhile, 7% are dedicated to human services while another 7% are for cultural and humanities nonprofits. (Cause IQ, 2020)
• The most common nonprofits in the US are religious organizations and churches. 300,747 religious organizations comprise 16.7% of total nonprofits. In second place are schools and other educational institutions with 248,253 organizations or 13.8% of total nonprofits. In third place are foundations and grantmaking organizations, which have 165,031 organizations or 9.2% of total nonprofits. (Cause IQ, 2020)
• In Texas, there are 106,000 nonprofit organizations or about one nonprofit for every 4,000 people. (NANOE, 2019)
• Over 47,000 charities in the US are dedicated to women’s and girl’s causes. They make up only 3.3% of total charitable organizations and 1.6% in charitable giving. (IUPI Women’s Philanthropy Institute, 2019)
• There are a total of 185,241 charities in England and Wales as of May 10, 2021. (Charity Commission for England and Wales, 2021)

Financial Statistics on Nonprofits

According to nonprofit statistics gathered from the top 100 nonprofits in the US, revenues from public support comprise a large chunk of their finances. Another study showed that nonprofits received an average amount of around $700 from donors while average online donations amounted to approximately $170. Even with these donations, nonprofits still spend billions in administrative expenses. With the ongoing pandemic, they also have to account for COVID-related expenses, which can drive up their operational costs. As such, nonprofits need to master the art of fundraising and utilize the latest technology such as fundraising software.

• 10% of the largest nonprofit organizations in the US derive their revenue from public support. In 2019, this amounted to $46.6 billion. This figure increased by 3.43% compared to 2018 figures. (The Nonprofit Times, 2019)
• Expenses for the largest nonprofits in the US amounted to $79.7 billion in 2019. This represented a 4.2% increase compared to 2018. (NANOE, 2019)
• In 2019, administrative expenses for the largest nonprofits in the US amounted to $6.27 billion. On the other hand, fundraising expenses amounted to nearly $4 billion while program expenses totaled $69.5 billion. (NANOE, 2019)
• Nonprofits received an average gift amount of $737 in 2020. In contrast, the average gift amount was $617 in 2019. (Blackbaud, 2020)
• The average online donation amount for all nonprofit subsectors amounted to $177 in 2020. The highest average online donation was for K-12 nonprofits at $1,640. This is followed by healthcare ($403), higher education ($387), and public and society benefit ($241). (Blackbaud, 2020)
• Nonprofits in Missouri reported incurring an average increase in COVID-related expenses of $302,417 per nonprofit. On the other hand, nonprofits in Pennsylvania reported incurring additional operational costs of $95.3 million due to the pandemic. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)

Statistics on Volunteers

Regarding volunteer demographics, one survey found that people below 55 are more likely to volunteer. In contrast, volunteers in the UK are aged 65 to 74. In addition, the majority of UK volunteers participate in activities at least once a year. However, a notable change is that while one can still successfully volunteer during the pandemic, almost half of volunteers have decided to scale back in their participation.

• 44% of nonprofit supporters say that people younger than 55 are more likely to volunteer. 38% said that people 55 and older are more likely to volunteer. (Freewill, 2020)
• 26% of nonprofit supporters say they are more likely to update their will. Meanwhile, 14% said that they are unlikely to update their will. (Freewill, 2020)
• 46% of nonprofit supporters find it helpful to hear from nonprofit organizations. In contrast, 21% said that they have not noticed. (Freewill, 2020)
• 70% of nonprofit supporters prefer that communications be sent through email. In contrast, 7% prefer physical mail while 6% prefer social media. (Freewill, 2020)
• 47% of volunteers said that their volunteer time during the pandemic will decrease or stop altogether. Only 17% said that their volunteer time will increase. (Fidelity Charitable, 2020)
• 6% of young Americans said they have volunteered in person with a cause or organization. Another 6% said that they did so online or virtually. (Cause & Social Influence, 2020)
• 64% of volunteers in England participated in voluntary activities at least once in the last year. Meanwhile, 39% said they participated at least once a month. (Gov.uk, 2020)
• With regards to the gender of volunteers, 66% of the population in England that participated in voluntary activities in 2020 were female. Meanwhile, 61% were male. (Gov.UK, 2020)
• 70% of participants of volunteer activities in England were aged 65 to 74. Meanwhile, 67% were aged 35 to 49. (Gov.UK, 2020)

Donor Demographics and Behavior

Since they’ve had the chance to build their wealth over time, it’s not a surprise that most donors who give to nonprofits are senior citizens both in the US and the UK. However, this doesn’t mean that young people aren’t pitching in wherever they can. Moreover, it’s also interesting to note that there are more female donors in the UK than male donors.

• The average age of donors in the US is 64. (Blackbaud, 2020)
• 27% of donors are more likely to give non-cash assets. (Freewill, 2020)
• Overall giving increased by 2% in 2020. On the other hand, online giving increased by 21% in 2020. (Blackbaud, 2020)
• A survey found out that nonprofit organizations achieved a 25% retention rate for first-year, online-only donors. On the other hand, the retention rate for multi-year, online-only donors was at 66%. (Blackbaud, 2020)
• 54% of donors said that the amount they donate will not change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, 25% said that they will donate more. (Fidelity Charitable, 2020)
• 43% of donors said that they plan to continue to give to the charities they support during the pandemic. In contrast, 21% said they don’t know or have not thought about this while 16% said that they are supporting new nonprofits. (Fidelity Charitable, 2020)
• 24% of young Americans said that they have donated goods and/or services to support others during the pandemic. (Cause & Social Influence, 2020)
• 75% of the population in England gave to charity in 2020. Seventy-nine percent of females gave to charity during the said year while 70% were male. (Gov.UK, 2020)
• 85% of people aged 75 and over donated to charity in England in 2020. In contrast, only 55% of people aged 16 to 24 did the same. (Gov.UK, 2020)

Impact of COVID-19 on Nonprofits

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt across all industries, and the nonprofit sector is no exception. A significant percentage of nonprofits in the US experienced reductions in donations and earned income. In addition, more stringent health and safety protocols mean that nonprofits have to incur additional expenses. Nonprofits have responded by adjusting their programs to cover COVID-related concerns.

• 90% of nonprofits in Nevada said that they experienced a decline in individual donations due to the pandemic. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 90% of nonprofits in West Virginia experienced event cancellations, which resulted in lost revenue. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 68.3% of nonprofits in Texas reported a decline in earned income from fees for services or membership dues. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 34.7% of nonprofits in Texas and 20.3% of nonprofits in Alabama and Georgia reported delayed grant processing because of the pandemic. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 57.8% of nonprofits in Connecticut reported incurring additional COVID-19 related expenses, such as cleaning protocols and personal protective equipment. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 40.1% of nonprofits in Texas reported cuts in working hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Nonprofit Education Survey Project, 2021)
• 53% of nonprofits within and outside the US have launched special appeals or emergency funds in response to COVID-19. (CCS Fundraising, 2020)
• 32% of nonprofit organizations within and outside the US have adjusted or expanded their cases with a special focus on COVID-19 programs. (CCS Fundraising, 2020)
• 51% of nonprofits said that their fundraising and development, as well as volunteer services programs, have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. 55% also said that their delivery of programs and services has been significantly impacted by the pandemic. (Fidelity Charitable, 2020)

What role does technology play in nonprofit success?

As nonprofits continue to adapt in an increasingly digital world, technology has become essential for efficient operations and engagement. Here’s how technology is shaping the nonprofit sector:

• Streamlining Operations: Many nonprofits rely on digital platforms to manage donor relations, volunteer coordination, and event planning. Using software for donor management, financial tracking, and project management helps reduce administrative workload and improves operational efficiency.
• Enhancing Donor Engagement: With CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools, nonprofits can analyze donor data, segment audiences, and personalize communications. Email automation, for example, allows nonprofits to keep donors informed and engaged through regular updates, appeals, and impact stories.
• Boosting Fundraising Efforts: Online donation platforms and mobile apps have revolutionized how nonprofits raise funds, making it easier for supporters to contribute anytime and anywhere. Tools like peer-to-peer fundraising and social media integrations also allow nonprofits to reach new audiences and mobilize supporters.
• Improving Volunteer Management: Volunteer management software simplifies the recruitment, scheduling, and tracking of volunteer activities. Nonprofits can ensure that volunteers are matched to roles that best suit their skills and interests, enhancing retention and satisfaction.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Nonprofits can leverage analytics to measure the impact of their programs, optimize fundraising campaigns, and make informed strategic decisions. Access to real-time data helps organizations respond more effectively to community needs and adapt their strategies as necessary.
• Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Technology enables nonprofits to share their financials, program updates, and outcomes more transparently with stakeholders. This builds trust among donors and supporters, demonstrating accountability and fostering long-term support.

Fulfilling an Advocacy Amidst Adversity

Nonprofit statistics show that these organizations can earn billions in revenue, mostly from the public who support these organizations. People show support to nonprofits either through giving donations or volunteering one’s time and effort in nonprofit activities.

Working for a nonprofit in the time of a pandemic means contending with delayed grants, reduced donations, cutting down work hours, and more. But nonprofits have risen to the occasion by modifying their programs to include COVID-19 issues as well. With such flexibility, combined with a passion for their cause and the right nonprofit collaboration software, these organizations can rise above adversity and continue to carry out their mission.

Key Insights

• Nonprofits significantly contribute to society by addressing diverse issues such as healthcare, animal welfare, and arts and culture, especially during crises like the pandemic.
• The United States houses nearly two million nonprofit organizations, with a significant portion being churches and religious institutions.
• Financially, nonprofits in the US generated over $84.7 billion in total revenue in 2019, with the largest nonprofits earning $21.4 billion in program revenue.
• Charitable giving in the US reached $449.64 billion in 2019, marking it as one of the highest years for donations.
• Volunteer demographics show a higher participation rate among people under 55 in the US, while in the UK, volunteers are predominantly aged 65 to 74.
• The average online donation amount varied significantly across nonprofit subsectors, with K-12 education nonprofits receiving the highest average donation of $1,640.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced donations and increased operational costs for nonprofits, prompting many to adjust their programs to address pandemic-related needs.
• Despite the pandemic, a majority of donors (54%) reported that their donation amounts remained unchanged, while 25% planned to donate more.
• Nonprofits have shown resilience by launching special appeals and expanding their programs to include COVID-19-related concerns, demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to their missions.

FAQ

1. What is the primary source of revenue for nonprofits in the US? Nonprofits in the US primarily derive their revenue from public support, which includes donations from individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations. In 2019, this amounted to $46.6 billion.
2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected nonprofit organizations? The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted nonprofits, leading to a decline in individual donations and earned income, event cancellations, delayed grant processing, and increased operational costs due to health and safety protocols. However, many nonprofits have adapted by launching special appeals and expanding their programs to address pandemic-related issues.
3. What are the common types of nonprofits in the United States? The most common types of nonprofits in the US are churches and religious organizations, schools and educational institutions, and foundations and grantmaking organizations. Churches and religious organizations comprise 16.7% of total nonprofits.
4. Who are the typical donors to nonprofits? Typical donors to nonprofits are predominantly senior citizens, with the average age of donors in the US being 64. In the UK, a higher percentage of females donate to charities compared to males.
5. What is the average online donation amount for nonprofits? The average online donation amount for nonprofits varies by subsector. In 2020, the highest average online donation was for K-12 education nonprofits at $1,640, followed by healthcare at $403 and higher education at $387.
6. How do nonprofits utilize donor management software? Nonprofits use donor management software to effectively manage donations, track donor behavior, and streamline fundraising efforts. This technology helps nonprofits maintain relationships with donors and improve their fundraising strategies.
7. What are the volunteer demographics for nonprofits in the UK? In the UK, volunteers are predominantly aged 65 to 74, with 70% of this age group participating in voluntary activities at least once a year. Additionally, 66% of volunteers in England are female.
8. How do nonprofits in the US compare to those in the UK in terms of numbers? The US has nearly two million nonprofit organizations, including various types of nonprofits and 501(c)(3) charities. In comparison, there are over 180,000 charities in the UK, with a significant concentration in England and Wales.

References:

1. Blackbaud. (2020). 2020 Charitable Giving Report: Using 2020 Data to Transform Your Strategy. Retrieved from Blackbaud.
2. Blackbaud. (2020). Online Giving Trends. Retrieved from Blackbaud.
3. Cause & Social Influence. (2020 April). Influencing Young America to Act: Special COVID-19 Research Report – April 2020. Retrieved from Cause & Social Influence.
4. Cause IQ. (2020, March 4). How Many Nonprofits Are in the US?. Retrieved from Cause IQ.
5. Charity Commission for England and Wales. (2021, May 10). Charities in England and Wales – 10 May 2021. Retrieved from Charity Commission for England and Wales.
6. Ebarb, T. (2019, September 7). Nonprofits Fail – Here’s Seven Reasons Why – Tracy Ebarb. Retrieved from NANOE.
7. CCS Fundraising. (2020). Nonprofit Fundraising Survey: Fundraising Impact of COVID-19. Retrieved from CCS Fundraising.
8. Fidelity Charitable. (2020). COVID-19 and Philanthropy: How Giving Behaviors are Shifting Amid Pandemic. Retrieved from Fidelity Charitable.
9. Farese, G. (2020, December 14). The state of nonprofit supporters in 2020. Retrieved from Freewill.
10. Giving USA. (2020, June 16). Giving USA 2020: Charitable giving showed solid growth, climbing to $449.64 billion in 2019, one of the highest years for giving on record. Retrieved from Giving USA.
11. Gov.UK. (2020, July 14). Community Life Survey 2019/20. Retrieved from Gov.UK.
12. Hrywna, M. (2019, November 4). NPT Top 100 (2019): An In-Depth Study of America’s Largest Nonprofits. Retrieved from The Nonprofit Times.
13. Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. (2020). The Women & Girls Index: Measuring Giving to Women’s and Girl’s Causes. Retrieved from IUPI.
14. Stewart, M., Kuenzi, K., Walk, M., and Klippel, A. (2021, May 5). States of COVID-19: Synthesis of State-level Nonprofit Reports on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from Nonprofit Education Survey.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.