The Kentucky Nonprofit Network (KNN) has released its More Than Charity Report for 2024. Officials said the document highlights the economic and employment impacts the sector has on the Commonwealth.
Kentucky is home to over 21,000 registered tax-exempt organizations, with nonprofits ranked as the fourth largest employer in the state. Despite this, a study from Indiana University showed that only 5% of Americans think they have been helped by a nonprofit. Danielle Clore is the CEO of the KNN. She said people sometimes underestimate the impact non-profits make on the region.
“People come into contact and benefit from the work of non-profits every single day. So, I think that lack of understanding around the sector is a critical threat. We’re really trying to do our part as the state association of nonprofits and encouraging nonprofits to spread the word about this data,” said Clore.
The KNN recently hosted several regional forums to present data from the report and connect with local organizations. Clore said nonprofits shared their concerns about being left out of local government decisions.
“In some communities, organizations had very robust discussions. Local government did not make decisions without ensuring they had a seat at the table,” said Clore. “And in other communities, they would learn about it in the paper and the decision had already been made.”
According to the most recent data, in Kentucky, nonprofits collected around $30 billion in revenue and paid employees over $10 billion in annual wages.