Research, Reports, and Data on the Nonprofit Sector

Nonprofits depend upon quality research to, among other things, increase their understanding, improve their operations and programs, and advance their public policy and public awareness initiatives.

Numerous diverse organizations conduct research on the nonprofit sector in the United States. In addition to research conducted by the National Council of Nonprofits, and state associations of nonprofits, many other nonprofits, universities, government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and consulting groups conduct research of interest to nonprofits.

Notable Sources of Research on the Nonprofit Sector

• Association for Research on Nonprofits and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)
• Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University
• Congressional Research Service
• Council on Foundations
• Foundation Center
• Government Accountability Office
• Grand Valley State University, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership
• International Society for Third-Sector Research
• Johns Hopkins University, Listening Post Project
• National Center for Charitable Statistics
• National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy
• Nonprofit Quarterly
• Stanford Social Innovation Review
• Urban Institute

The following list of resources highlights research studies and reports from recent years to inform the public, funders, policy makers, and nonprofits about significant issues affecting nonprofits. Select the heading you are interested in to view the resources on that topic.