Did you know that for years for-profit organizations have been able to use federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for free but that nonprofits do not receive the same data from our government? Meanwhile, the nonprofit sector is spending millions in additional costs to tally data ourselves! Labor statistics are essential for nonprofits because they provide crucial insights into the health and performance of the charitable sector. These data allow nonprofits to benchmark their outcomes, such as wages and employment levels, against broader economic trends, ensuring they remain competitive and attract top talent.
Furthermore, up-to-date labor statistics empower nonprofits to effectively communicate their challenges and contributions to policymakers. This enables informed policymaking, fostering a supportive environment for the sector and facilitating its ability to address critical social needs.
Without timely access to these vital data, nonprofits operate at a significant disadvantage, hindering their ability to advocate for themselves and their workforce, ultimately undermining their capacity to serve communities effectively.
It has been a longstanding priority of state associations, including Tennessee Nonprofit Network, to secure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the same wage and employment data for nonprofits that for-profit businesses get for free. Advocacy efforts to secure direct appropriations to expand BLS’ Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages (QCEW) have not yet borne fruit, so we’re turning to President Biden for help. For more background, see a June letter from 30 national nonprofit organizations on this same priority.
ACTION ITEM: Sign onto the letter urging President Biden to take executive action to require the Bureau of Labor Statistics to include nonprofit employment data in the quarterly reports. Deadline for signing on is October 2. This letter is being promoted in partnership with the Aspen Institute, National Council of Nonprofits, and Independent Sector.