Nonprofit Organizations in American History

Abstract

Every question concerning U.S. nonprofit organizations and its nonprofit sector as a whole has a historical dimension. Changing state and federal laws have always determined both what nonprofit corporations and associations can do and who can join and lead them. Conflicts over individual freedom, the nature of government, the role of various religions, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and other matters have always shaped these laws. Learning about the nonprofit sector has just begun, but large numbers of books and data sources—many noted in this article—are relevant. Numbers of nonprofit employees grew from near zero to 1% of the U.S. labor force in 1900, to 3% in 1960, and 9% in 2000. Consumer wealth, steadily increasing government subsidies, and expanded individual rights explain the growth. The sector limits religious and other cultural conflicts and promotes diversity, while increasing inequality.