This summary draws from the Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s More Than Charity research, a critical data set that illuminates the economic importance of Kentucky’s nonprofit sector and brings long-overdue visibility to its role as a statewide economic engine.
Most people still think of nonprofits only in terms of charity work. In Kentucky, the data tells a different story. Nonprofits are a driving force in the state’s economy, employ numerous Kentuckians across every region, and are essential partners in workforce, education, health, and community stability. This reality is often unseen by the general public, who may underestimate the scale and economic relevance of nonprofit infrastructure.
Statewide Impact Overview
The Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s More Than Charity report confirms this economic reality and provides the data that underscores the scale of the sector’s contribution.
Kentucky’s nonprofit sector functions as a core pillar of the state’s economy. It is not auxiliary. It is not supplemental. Nonprofits generate more than $10 billion in annual wages and more than $27 billion in annual expenditures that circulate directly into Kentucky communities. One in 10 private sector jobs in Kentucky is a nonprofit job, placing the sector among the state’s top economic employers. In multiple regions, nonprofits employ more Kentuckians than major commercial sectors such as retail and hospitality. These are not temporary positions. They are sustained economic engines that are rooted in local communities, employing professionals and supporting critical infrastructure for families, schools, healthcare systems, and workforce readiness.
Regional Impact Insights
Insights below are drawn directly from the Kentucky Nonprofit Network’s More Than Charity analysis of Kentucky’s 10 workforce regions. This specific, regional data may be helpful to nonprofit grant seekers when discussing their work in terms of economic impact.
Bluegrass Region
According to KNN’s More Than Charity research, nonprofits in the Bluegrass Region sustain 26,055 jobs, pay $1.48 billion in annual wages, and drive $5.37 billion in annual expenditures with $6.04 billion in revenue. The sector functions as both a service provider and a strategic employer, supporting health systems, education pathways, and regional talent retention.
Cumberlands Region
KNN’s analysis shows that nonprofits in the Cumberlands Region support 11,451 jobs, generate $601 million in annual wages, and account for $954 million in expenditures with $1.19 billion in revenue. Their presence reduces economic vulnerability and directly supports community resilience in an area with limited private sector diversification.
EKCEP Region
KNN identifies that the EKCEP Region relies on nonprofit infrastructure as a workforce development driver. Nonprofits in EKCEP employ 17,263 residents, pay $997 million in wages, and contribute $1.64 billion in expenditures with $1.76 billion in revenue. These organizations are indispensable partners in training and economic recovery across rural counties.
Green River Region
According to KNN, nonprofits in the Green River Region employ 7,959 residents, pay $450 million in wages, and circulate $1.13 billion in expenditures with $1.26 billion in revenue each year. Their footprint stabilizes both rural and small city economies and is critical to health, education, and workforce advancement.
Kentuckiana Works Region
KNN’s More Than Charity data confirms that the Kentuckiana Works Region holds the largest nonprofit footprint in Kentucky, with 51,478 jobs, $3.71 billion in wages, $12.42 billion in expenditures, and $13.5 billion in revenue. These organizations drive innovation, workforce readiness, and talent attraction at a metropolitan scale.
Lincoln Trail Region
Nonprofits in the Lincoln Trail Region sustain thousands of jobs, a fact underscored by KNN’s findings. The sector supports 4,656 jobs, pays $265 million in wages, and accounts for $411 million in annual expenditures with $412 million in revenue.
Northern Kentucky Region
The Northern Kentucky Region’s nonprofit sector, as documented by KNN, employs 15,216 residents, pays $1.09 billion in wages, and drives $2.55 billion in expenditures with $2.9 billion in revenue. These organizations support regional competitiveness and cross river economic integration.
South Central Region
Nonprofits in the South Central Region employ 7,389 Kentuckians, and KNN’s analysis confirms they generate $410 million in wages, $1.13 billion in expenditures, and $1.3 billion in revenue each year. They fill critical workforce development, healthcare, and family stability roles that support employers and long-term growth.
TENCO Region
The TENCO Region is anchored by nonprofits that employ 9,040 workers and, according to KNN, pay $604 million in wages, circulate $1.26 billion in expenditures, and bring in $1.44 billion in revenue each year. Their presence strengthens rural workforce participation and supports local industries.
West Kentucky Region
Nonprofits in the West Kentucky Region employ 11,634 residents, and KNN’s More Than Charity report highlights that the sector pays $722 million in wages, contributes $519 million in expenditures, and records $630 million in revenue annually. They are key partners in economic recovery, community revitalization, and workforce readiness across a diverse set of counties.
Takeaway for Kentucky Nonprofits
Nonprofits in Kentucky must clearly frame their work as economic infrastructure. When communicating with stakeholders, it is critical to lead with impact—jobs, workforce stability, and sustained local dollars—rather than solely on services delivered. This position reinforces that nonprofits are strategic economic partners, not charitable recipients, and strengthens future conversations with funders, policymakers, and business leaders.
Framing the sector’s economic power is essential to Kentucky’s future, and nonprofits must enter every funding and policy conversation from a position of economic strength.
Kentucky Nonprofits: More Than Charity - Kentucky Nonprofit Network