On November 20, area nonprofit and business leaders gathered for the release of the findings from the 2024 State of The Nonprofit Sector report. Sponsored by the Nonprofit Council, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, San Antonio Area Foundation, and the Greater Chamber, the report outlined the collective scope, activities, and economic impact of nearly 5,400 nonprofit organizations in Bexar County and 12 surrounding counties.
The report highlights the tremendous economic impact of nonprofit organizations, as not only does this sector positively impact the individuals they serve, but it is also a major employer and purchaser of goods and services. According to the IRS Form 990 data cited in the report, nonprofit organizations across the region had a collective $15.3 billion in revenue in 2023 with $13.6 billion in expenses, and they employed 87,644 employees across the region.
"This nonprofit impact report is a powerful testament to the collective effort nonprofits make in South Texas,” said Scott McAninch, CEO – The Nonprofit Council. “It highlights not only the substantial role nonprofits play in strengthening our local economy but also the essential work they do to make South Texas a better place to live, work, and play. It’s incredible how these organizations contribute not just economically but also in fostering a thriving, connected community."
One of the report’s key findings is the dramatic increase in services and other demands on nonprofit organizations in recent years. Not surprisingly, the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit sector is funding, and that challenge will be exacerbated by the fact that federal stimulus funding is ending for most organizations, forcing the agencies to find new funding sources. The second-largest need was finding staff, board members and volunteers, followed by the need for more space and infrastructure.
The challenges that nonprofits are facing in terms of meeting the demand for services is substantiated by a few key findings:
- 78 percent of nonprofits surveyed have had an increase in demand for services;
- 51 percent could not meet the increased demand for services in that time; and
- 44 percent have a waitlist for services.
While many of the agencies report steady-to-strong financial standing, that status is tempered by the looming loss of government stimulus funding that will soon expire. Leadership from all of the sponsor organizations encouraged the nonprofit agencies to work together to advocate for increased funding to offset the looming loss of government stimulus funding not just from other sources of government funding, but also from the area business community.
“The San Antonio business community can help you meet not only financial needs but volunteer and other needs, and you need to approach them,” Greater Chamber President & CEO Jeff Webster told the group. “And the chamber is ready and willing to help you make those connections.”