In no other state in the country does the nonprofit sector provide more jobs, economic clout and daily positive interaction than in Massachusetts.

From soccer leagues to senior programs to our local hospitals, nonprofits affect each of our lives. We rarely, if ever, recognize that all of these organizations — those who house the homeless, provide our health care, run our museums, and provide our children with life-affirming volunteer opportunities — comprise what is probably the single most important sector of our state’s economy.

Statewide, the impact of nonprofits on our economy is staggering: Nonprofits employ almost 14 percent of the state’s work force — 450,000 jobs, which is more than all local, state and federal jobs combined. Last year, the nonprofit sector pumped $86 billion into local Massachusetts economies through salaries and goods and services.

February 20, 2009
The Honorable Deval L. Patrick
State House
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Governor Patrick,
Congratulations on your aggressive and highly organized effort to assure that Massachusetts citizens benefit as much as possible from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. We in the nonprofit sector are aware that much of the funding, both for infrastructure projects and for [...]

Walking through South Boston Neighborhood House one afternoon last week, Barbara Macdonald stopped in a play room and wrapped her arms around a giggling girl named Madison.

“I love you,” Macdonald said.

Bright-eyed and beaming, the girl told Macdonald that she’s taking singing lessons, then broke out in a song by R&B sensation Beyonce. Macdonald snapped her fingers and got down to the beat.

It’s all Macdonald can do these days – stay upbeat and “carry on,” even as a slipping economy has forced her nonprofit to scrap its dream move.

The Neighborhood House, where Macdonald serves as executive director, bought the Gate of Heaven Parish Hall building 2 1/2 years ago, hoping to raise $5 million to restore it and move in. But it couldn’t raise the cash.