NATIONAL NONPROFIT
IMPACT INDEX
Explore nonprofit density, calculate volunteer impact value, and benchmark your state's civic engagement.
Data sourced from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File & Independent Sector.
UNDERSTANDING NONPROFIT DENSITY
The National Nonprofit Impact & Valuation Index (NIVI) tracks the concentration and economic value of 501(c)(3) organizations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. By measuring nonprofit density—the number of tax-exempt organizations per 10,000 residents—NIVI reveals patterns of civic engagement, social capital, and community organizing capacity.
This data helps grant writers benchmark their regional context, researchers analyze nonprofit ecosystems, and leaders understand their competitive landscape. The volunteer value calculator translates hours of service into economic impact using Independent Sector's methodology, giving you the numbers needed for board reports and impact narratives.
WHY NONPROFIT DENSITY MATTERS
- →Civic Engagement Indicator: Higher nonprofit density correlates with stronger civic participation, voter turnout, and community organizing traditions.
- →Social Capital Measurement: Nonprofits build trust networks and connect diverse stakeholders. Density reflects this community infrastructure.
- →Market Context for Fundraising: Understanding regional density helps you position your organization and identify collaboration vs. competition dynamics.
- →Grant Narrative Support: Cite NIVI data to contextualize your work within the broader nonprofit ecosystem. Funders value this perspective.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN NIVI
INTERACTIVE MAP
Visualize nonprofit density across the United States. Click any state to see detailed statistics, national ranking, and contextual interpretation.
VALUE CALCULATOR
Calculate the economic value of volunteer time using Independent Sector's methodology. Includes pro-bono multipliers for specialized services.
THE DATA BEHIND NIVI
NIVI pulls nonprofit counts directly from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File (EO BMF)—the authoritative federal database of all tax-exempt organizations. This ensures accuracy and consistency across states.
Data Sources:
- •IRS EO BMF — Updated monthly, fetched weekly via automated process
- •U.S. Census Bureau — 2020 Census population data for density calculations
- •Independent Sector — Annual volunteer value estimates based on BLS wage data
COMMON USE CASES
Grant Proposal Context
Include NIVI data in your needs statement to show funders how your state compares nationally. Example: "Vermont ranks #2 nationally in nonprofit density, reflecting our state's strong tradition of community organizing..."
Volunteer Impact Reporting
Use the calculator to quantify volunteer contributions in annual reports and board presentations. Translate hours into dollar value that stakeholders understand.
Strategic Planning & Collaboration
Understand your local nonprofit ecosystem density to inform merger discussions, partnership strategies, and market positioning decisions.
WHO USES THIS DATA?
Grant Writers
Benchmark your state's nonprofit landscape in funding proposals. Show funders how you fit into the regional civic ecosystem.
Researchers & Analysts
Compare civic engagement and social capital across regions. Track nonprofit density trends over time for academic research.
Nonprofit Leaders
Understand your competitive environment and identify collaboration opportunities. Calculate volunteer ROI for board presentations.
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501(c)(3) Organizations
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Avg per 10K Residents
51
States + DC Tracked
$36.14
Volunteer Hour Value
NONPROFIT DENSITY BY STATE
Click any state to see detailed statistics. Larger circles indicate more nonprofits.
LOADING DATA...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is NIVI?
The National Nonprofit Impact & Valuation Index (NIVI) is a public tool that tracks 501(c)(3) nonprofit density across all 50 states and DC, and helps calculate the economic value of volunteer time.
How often is the data updated?
Our data is refreshed weekly via an automated process that pulls directly from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File (EO BMF), which is updated monthly by the IRS.
Why does nonprofit density matter?
Nonprofit density indicates civic engagement and social capital. Higher density often correlates with stronger community support networks, though causation is complex.
How is volunteer value calculated?
We use Independent Sector's methodology: the national average hourly wage plus a 15% benefits adjustment. For specialized pro-bono work, we apply market-rate multipliers.
Can I use this data in grant applications?
Yes. You can cite the NIVI as a benchmarking tool for your state's nonprofit landscape. For the volunteer value calculator, reference Independent Sector as the source methodology.
Is my data saved?
No. Calculator inputs are processed client-side in your browser. We don't store personal data or calculation inputs.
NEED HELP WITH
IMPACT REPORTING?
This tool gets you started. We can help you go deeper with custom dashboards, impact frameworks, and stakeholder reporting.