OMAHA — Nebraska’s nonprofit sector is proving to be a major economic force, generating billions in revenue and employing a significant share of the state’s workforce, according to a new report.
The 2025 Economic Impact of Nonprofits in Nebraska report, released by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), found that nonprofits generated $23.1 billion in revenue in 2023 while spending approximately $20 billion statewide.
The report, prepared by the University of Nebraska at Omaha Center for Public Affairs Research and sponsored by NAM and FNIC, highlights the growing economic and community impact of nonprofits across Nebraska.
“The report concludes that Nebraska’s nonprofit sector is a powerful and stabilizing force in the state’s economy and community life,” NAM CEO Anne Hindery said. “Nonprofits direct billions of dollars, thousands of jobs and immeasurable contributions toward public benefit to advance missions that neither governments nor markets can fulfill on their own.”
Rivaling Major Industries
The findings show nonprofit activity now rivals some of Nebraska’s largest industries. The sector’s economic output is comparable to manufacturing and exceeds agriculture, long considered a cornerstone of the state’s economy.
In total, researchers identified 5,483 nonprofit organizations filing IRS Form 990 in 2023. Of those, 81% were public charities, while the remaining 19% were private foundations.
A significant portion of nonprofit funding — about $6.1 billion — came from contributions, gifts and grants, reflecting strong public support and trust in the sector.
Major Employer Across the State
Nonprofits employ roughly 10% of Nebraska’s workforce, with median annual earnings of $46,357. While nonprofit organizations may be exempt from certain taxes, the report notes their employees are not, meaning those wages continue to support local and state tax bases.
Those earnings, along with spending on goods and services, contribute to economic activity in both urban and rural communities across Nebraska.
Growth and Resilience After Pandemic
The report also highlights the sector’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many industries faced significant losses, Nebraska’s nonprofit sector continued to grow.
The number of nonprofits increased from 2,941 in 2019 to 3,663 in 2023, demonstrating sustained demand for nonprofit services during times of crisis.
“This pattern demonstrates that, even during a period of significant economic disruption, nonprofit presence did not decline,” the report stated.
Strong Culture of Giving
The report also points to Nebraska’s strong culture of philanthropy. Over the past year, 57% of Nebraskans reported donating, a rate higher than the national average.
That level of giving plays a key role in sustaining nonprofit operations, as many organizations rely heavily on donations, grants and gifts for funding.
“This report affirms what nonprofit leaders see every day: our sector is not just doing good. It is doing important things for Nebraska’s economy and its people,” Hindery said. “The data make clear that Nebraska’s nonprofit sector is strong, resilient and indispensable to the state’s economic and civic fabric.”
The full report is available online through the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands.