In 1938, the President of the United States wanted to fund polio research. Despite being the Chief Executive, he couldn’t secure government funding, nor were there private sector backers. So, the President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, turned directly to everyday Americans, launching a nonprofit, the March of Dimes. Millions of small donations poured in, fueling vaccine research… eventually contributing to one of history's greatest public health breakthroughs.
Today, nonprofits like the March of Dimes still fill the gaps that governments and markets leave behind. From fueling lifesaving research to delivering disaster relief, these organizations champion progress where it’s needed most—often relying on the generosity of ordinary people to make extraordinary change. The nonprofit space is vast, spanning from global giants like Save the Children and Oxfam to grassroots community-based organizations. In the US alone, 1.8 million nonprofits generate over $3 trillion in income annually—more than the commercial banking sector.
In this Primer, we’ll explore the world of nonprofits and the wider social sector of which they are a part. We’ll break down their diverse types and roles, show how they raise money and create impact, examine how they’re structured and measured, and delve into the trends shaping their work.
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