Maryland’s nonprofit sector is a cornerstone of our state’s economy and quality of life. With over 40,000 organizations employing more than 280,000 people full-time, nonprofits are a major driver of economic activity and innovation, contributing billions to Maryland’s economy each year.
Nonprofits in Maryland contribute billions to the state’s economy, especially in fields such as education, healthcare, arts, and social services. Beyond their economic contributions, Maryland’s nonprofits are essential partners in addressing societal challenges, fostering innovation, and ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.
Nonprofits represent nearly 13% of Maryland’s private workforce—making the sector one of the largest employers in the state.
Nonprofits generate billions in wages, salaries, and revenue annually, fueling Maryland’s economy. Nonprofits in Maryland paid over $1.7 billion in payroll taxes in 2023.
From managing disaster relief to providing social safety nets, nonprofits are trusted partners in delivering vital services efficiently and effectively.
Every Marylander benefits from nonprofits, whether they realize it or not. Some impacts are clear—like food banks feeding the hungry or shelters helping animals. Others are less visible but just as vital, like YMCA gyms and adult day programs serving our families and neighbors, and arts groups revitalizing neighborhoods. These organizations quietly strengthen communities and enrich lives across Maryland.
Education
Nonprofits provide critical educational services, including early childhood education, after-school programs and adult education.
Healthcare
Nonprofits offer essential healthcare services, including clinics, mental health services and health education.
Arts and Culture
Nonprofits enrich Maryland’s cultural landscape through museums, theaters and community arts programs.
Social Services
Organizations support vulnerable populations with services like food assistance, family support services, domestic violence and victim help and protection, housing and job training.
Environmental and Other Services
Nonprofits address a wide range of community needs, including environmental protection, animal welfare, disaster relief and much more.
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Nonprofits employ 280,000 workers full-time—nearly 13% of all non-governmental workers in Maryland—and more than every other major private industry in the state, with the single exception of retail trade. These jobs span healthcare, education, social services, and beyond, ensuring diverse employment opportunities across the state.
The sector’s purchasing power drives local economies, from small businesses to large industries. Nonprofits paid more than $1.7 billion in payroll taxes in 2023, directly supporting state and federal budgets.
Maryland nonprofits were awarded more than $4 billion in federal grants, contracts, direct payments, and other obligations in FY23, amplifying their ability to deliver services and innovate solutions statewide.
The findings in our 2021 COVID-19 and Racial Equity Survey revealed two nonprofit sectors: one that is far more challenging and inequitably structured for Black, Latino, Asian and Indigenous People leading nonprofit organizations, compared to the nonprofit sector experienced by white leaders.
Nonprofits aren’t just service providers—they are key players in shaping public policy and advancing equity.
Nonprofit organizations exist in every community and are often closest to the community’s challenges. Their collective power drives systemic change by:
Maryland Nonprofits, our members, and nonprofit advocacy leaders across the state work together to drive meaningful public policy change. These collaborative efforts make public policy more equitable, increase the state’s investment in communities, and improve the operating environment for nonprofits in Maryland.
A lifeline for nonprofits facing delayed government payments, NIMBL provides short-term, interest-free loans to help organizations maintain cash flow and continue serving communities without disruption.
This initiative makes recommendations to streamline the state grant process, reducing administrative burdens and making it easier for nonprofits to access critical funding through a more efficient, standardized application system.
Ensures that nonprofits receive timely payments for state-funded services, addressing longstanding cash flow challenges and strengthening the ability of organizations to fulfill their missions.
A major victory led by the National Council of Nonprofits in protecting nonprofit funding, this federal court ruling blocked an attempt to freeze federal grants, safeguarding essential resources for nonprofits nationwide, including those in Maryland.
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