FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 2/5/2026
Contact:
Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle
Center for Nonprofit Excellence-Virginia
mdoyle@thecne.org
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence & UVA School of Data Science Release 2026 Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Sector Report
Charlottesville, VA — [February 5th, 2026] — The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) and the University of Virginia School of Data Science are proud to announce the release of the 2026 Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Sector Report, a comprehensive, data-driven examination of the essential role nonprofits play in the economic health and daily life of communities across Virginia.
With 43,115 charitable nonprofits, 388,004 employees, and nearly $80 billion in annual revenue, Virginia’s nonprofit sector represents a powerful economic engine—one that fuels jobs, services, and community wellbeing across the Commonwealth. The report draws on IRS Business Master File data, 990 filings, and statewide impact indicators to provide one of the most detailed views to date of how nonprofits strengthen Virginia’s economy and quality of life.
“Nonprofits ensure that Virginians have access to food, shelter, childcare, job training, and emergency services,” said Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle, Executive Director of the CNE. “This report underscores what we see every day: nonprofits are indispensable partners in building thriving, equitable communities.”
Key Findings
• Nonprofits deliver essential services that allow Virginians to work, learn, and care for their families. Services range from childcare and food assistance to job readiness, fire and rescue response, and emergency support.
• Nearly 235,000 children in Virginia live in households below the federal poverty level, and 39% of households fall below the ALICE threshold—making nonprofit services vital for economic stability.
• Food banks provided 175 million pounds of groceries in 2024, meeting sharply increased demand across the state.
• More than 6,400 Virginians earned workforce credentials through nonprofit-led job training initiatives since 2020.
• Volunteerism remains strong, with more than 2.5 million Virginians volunteering in 2023.
• Nonprofits are trusted providers: 81% of U.S. voters believe charities address vital needs that government cannot or should not handle alone.
• Public investment is crucial: In many regions, nonprofits rely heavily on government grants—funding that philanthropy alone cannot replace.
Why This Report Matters
As service demand rises and costs increase, many nonprofits face growing financial pressure. More than one-third ended 2024 with an operating deficit, and 86% cited inflation as a significant challenge. Understanding the true economic and community impact of nonprofits helps policymakers, funders, and partners make informed decisions about where and how to invest.
“This report provides clear evidence that nonprofits are not only mission-driven organizations—they are integral to Virginia’s economic stability,” said Rebecca Schmidt, Director of Impact and Applied Learning at the UVA School of Data Science. “Supporting the nonprofit sector is essential to supporting the Commonwealth.”
About the Report
The 2026 Economic Impact of the Nonprofit Sector Report is the result of a partnership between the UVA School of Data Science and the CNE, combining advanced data analysis with on-the-ground nonprofit expertise. The full report details sector size, employment trends, revenue distribution, service impact, and the risks posed by funding instability.
About the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
The CNE strengthens nonprofits to realize the potential of communities. Through training, consulting, research, and collaborative initiatives, the CNE supports hundreds of organizations across Virginia in building capacity, resilience, and community impact.
About the UVA School of Data Science
The UVA School of Data Science advances interdisciplinary research, education, and public service by leveraging data-driven methods to address society’s most pressing challenges. The School partners with communities, nonprofits, and public agencies to generate insights that inform policy and practice.
To read the report, please visit the CNE’s website, thecne.org/economic-impact-report
For more information, please contact Dr. Mariane Asad Doyle at mdoyle@thecneorg.