The Power of Women in Nonprofits: Fueling Change and Community Growth.

There are currently over 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S.,and women make up 75% of the nonprofit workforce.. You might wonder—why are so many nonprofits necessary? The answer lies in the unique mission and resources that each organization brings to the table. Every nonprofit is powered by its own dedicated team, with distinct approaches to addressing community needs.

Women have always been at the forefront of the nonprofit sector. We don’t just recognize the problems—we actively create solutions. From fighting racial discrimination to providing holiday gifts for underserved families, women are leading initiatives with purpose and passion. No matter the mission, there’s a woman making a difference behind the scenes—and often front and center.

When people think of nonprofits, large organizations like Susan G. Komen, Mayo Clinic, or Feeding America might come to mind. But most nonprofits are much smaller, community-focused operations. In fact, 92% of nonprofits in the U.S. operate on less than $1 million per year, and 88% spend under $500,000 annually. These groups may not be handing out money directly, but they’re doing something just as impactful: connecting people to life-changing resources.

Take Women Speak Up, for example. It provides essential contact points—an email, a phone number, and a website—where anyone can reach out and be connected to support. That accessibility is what real community impact looks like.

Nonprofits also drive employment. They employ over 10% of America’s private workforce—more than the construction, manufacturing, or finance industries. Across the country, nonprofits support 12.3 million employees and benefit from the contributions of over 64 million volunteers and board members.

Nonprofits are often closer to our daily lives than we realize. Nearly half of America’s hospitals are nonprofit organizations. If you were born in one, you’ve already been touched by their mission. Public health nonprofits played a key role in creating tobacco-free restaurant environments. If you ever participated in 4-H, Little League, or Girl Scouts, you’ve been directly involved with a nonprofit.

The demand for public and human-centered resources will never disappear—and that’s exactly why nonprofits will always be essential.

Beyond services, nonprofits are deeply engaged in their communities. They host book drives, networking events, and resource fairs—all carefully planned and executed by passionate team members who care deeply about the people they serve. Nonprofits don’t just help the community—they are the community.

Another powerful—yet often overlooked—way nonprofits serve their communities is through their ability to influence policy change at the state level. Because nonprofits are deeply connected to the issues and people they serve, they bring a unique, grassroots perspective to the table. When policy decisions arise, these organizations often step up as advocates, working directly with decision-makers to ensure that the voices and needs of their communities are not only heard, but prioritized.

Now more than ever, community matters. If there’s a nonprofit in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out—they’re often looking for volunteers, collaborators, or simply people to support. Whether you're lending a hand or receiving one, connection is at the heart of what keeps our world turning. When we support one another, we create stronger, more compassionate communities.

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To learn more, visit womenspeakupus.org for resources, events and more.