ECONOMY: The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce (2 of 3)

In this episode, host Rusty Stahl makes the economic case for valuing the nonprofit workforce—nearly 13 million workers powering 10% of the U.S. private workforce. Drawing on fresh data, he reveals how nonprofits create jobs, stabilize communities during crises, and fuel broader economic growth. If policymakers and funders overlook this workforce, they’re missing one of the most significant economic forces in the country.This is Part 2 of our 3-part miniseries on the value of the nonprofit workforce! In the first episode of the miniseries, Rusty makes a passionate plea for everyone to discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce, and then addresses how nonprofit workers bring value of their communities. Part 3 of the miniseries will discuss the value of the nonprofit workforce for our democracy.Links to Resources:​5 Surprising Facts about the U.S Nonprofit Workforce⁠​CalNonprofits 2019 Causes Count Report Subscribe to Fund the People's YouTube Channel.FTP Podcast Audio on YouTubeFTP Podcast Video on Youtube​FTP Podcast Video ClipsGeorge Mason University:​Nonprofit Employment Data (NED) Project​2024 Nonprofit Employment Data Report⁠​⁠ (national data on nonprofit wages)Spotlight on Nonprofit Wages (nonprofit wages by sub-sector)Nonprofit Employment in the States, 2017-2022 (nonprofit wages by region)​Nonprofit Works Interactive Online Database (explore nonprofit wages by geographic area, sub-sector, and in comparison to for-profit and government)Relevant Episodes:​The Unique Value of the U.S. Nonprofit Workforce - Part 1 (S9:E12, April 8, 2026, 22 minutes)​Making the Nonprofit Workforce Visible - with Dr. Alan Abramson and Chelsea Newhouse, George Mason University (S7:E24, May 21, 2025, 42 minutes)​The Power of the Nonprofit Workforce - with Dr. Lester Salamon, Johns Hopkins University (S1:E4, October 16, 2020, 52 minutes)