Number of Nonprofits by Country (2026)

The nonprofit sector represents a vital pillar of civil society worldwide, yet the distribution of registered organizations varies dramatically across countries. There are 1,935,344 registered nonprofits in the United States , the UK has 171,387 registered charities , Canada has 86,000 registered charities , and globally, there are over 10 million nonprofit organizations . This report presents the most current 2026 data on nonprofit numbers by country, offering nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and board members a comprehensive snapshot of the sector's scale and scope worldwide. This is part of our nonprofit industry statistics hub.

Key takeaways

The United States dominates global nonprofit numbers

There are 1,935,344 registered nonprofits in the United States , making America home to the largest concentration of registered organizations globally. This includes about 1.3 million 501(c)(3)s , which are charitable organizations, plus private foundations and other tax-exempt entities. These organizations account for about 15% of global nonprofits , highlighting the outsized role of American organizations in the worldwide sector.

Non-profits employ 12.8 million people, representing nearly 10% of the U.S. private-sector workforce . The concentration is particularly notable in high-population states: States with most nonprofits are California, Texas, and New York .

United Kingdom: Second-largest English-speaking nonprofit sector

As of May 2026, the UK has 171,387 registered charities . This encompasses 171,227 main charities registered in the UK and a further 13,848 linked charities, totalling 185,075 . The UK's charity sector is exceptionally well-resourced and supported: The charity sector is made up of 1,717,635 employees, 6,537,728 volunteers, and 921,512 trustees .

The total income of UK-registered charities was £102bn in 2024/25, and in May 2026, this figure is closer to £107bn . Despite strong fundraising, the sector faces donor challenges: Charitable giving in England stood at 67 percent of the population in 2024/25, down from 82 percent in 2013/14 .

Canada: Mid-sized sector with significant concentration

Canada has 86,000 registered charities across the country , though the full nonprofit ecosystem is larger. There are over 170,000 non-profits, but registered charities bring in 68% of the sector's revenue and 96% of all donations . Canadian nonprofits support more than 2 million jobs and make up close to 7% of the country's GDP as of 2023 .

Canada distinguishes between registered charities and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in its tax system, with charities having exclusive authority to issue tax receipts and claim greater regulatory advantages.

Australia: Rapidly growing nonprofit ecosystem

Australia's nonprofit sector is administered by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The ACNC registers hundreds of new charities every month. The ACNC registers hundreds of new charities every month, providing a range of invaluable services including child and youth services, environmental protection, education and more . The country's nonprofit sector shows consistent growth, with 292 charities registered in May 2026 alone .

Global context: 10+ million nonprofits worldwide

There are approximately 10 million nonprofits worldwide . The international nonprofit sector spans vastly different regulatory environments and legal definitions. The exact definitions and legal structures of such organizations vary considerably between countries. Roughly equivalent terms such as civil society sector, third sector, voluntary organizations, and associations appear in the article when they are used in the research projects being discussed .

Since 2015, the global market for Nonprofits Organizations has grown at a CAGR of 3.6 % to over USD 289.25 Billion in 2023. The Nonprofit Organizations Market size was valued at USD 313.74 Billion in 2025 and the total revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% .

Organizational scale: Most nonprofits are small

Most nonprofits are small . Small charities consist of up to 96% of the non-profit sector, depending on interpretation . 76% of public charities annual revenue is $0 – $99K. 13% of public charities annual revenue is $100 – $499K. 3% of public charities annual revenue is $500 – $999K. 5% of public charities annual revenue is $1M – $4.9M .

Sector composition: Health, education, and human services lead

Churches, schools, and foundations dominate the nonprofit sector, accounting for almost 40% of all nonprofits in the United States . The remaining organizations focus on a diverse array of missions: About 15% of organizations are classic civil, social, and business engagement organizations, including little leagues, chambers of commerce, fraternal organizations. The next seven percent include emergency assistance providers, residential care facilities, and other human services. Another seven percent are museums, arts groups, and other cultural and humanities nonprofits .

Challenges and headwinds facing nonprofit sectors globally

Nonprofit sectors worldwide face mounting pressures. Of nonprofit CEOs, many say it's been harder to secure foundation grants since January 2025 , and of nonprofit CEOs say they have concerns about their organization's financial stability . In the UK, 4,233 charities left the Charity Commission's register in 2025 (compared to 3,885 in 2024) , signaling sector consolidation and attrition.

What this means for your volunteer program

Understanding the scale and distribution of nonprofits worldwide provides crucial context for your organization's position in a competitive sector. Whether you manage 10 volunteers or 1,000, ensuring donor and community trust through robust volunteer screening is essential to organizational success.

VolunteerBadge makes volunteer screening simple, affordable, and compliant. Our $5 FCRA-compliant background checks include identity verification with no monthly fees—perfect for nonprofits of any size. Whether you're a small community charity or a mid-sized foundation, we provide the same rigorous screening standards that major nonprofits rely on.

Download the data

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Why does the United States have so many more nonprofits than other countries?
A: The U.S. has a highly developed legal framework for nonprofit incorporation, strong tax incentives (501(c) status), and a culture of private philanthropy and voluntary association that encourages nonprofit formation. Many other countries rely more heavily on government-provided social services.

Q: Are these numbers increasing or decreasing globally?
A: The picture is mixed. New charities are forming all the time and their income is rising year-by-year – with a 10% rise in overall charity sector income in 2025 . However, some sectors show churn, with older, smaller organizations closing while new ones form to address emerging needs.

Q: What's the difference between a nonprofit, charity, and NGO?
A: Terminology varies by country. In the U.S., "nonprofits" typically refer to 501(c) tax-exempt organizations. "Charities" often refer specifically to charitable (501(c)(3)) entities. "NGO" (non-governmental organization) is a global term encompassing any non-state, non-profit entity. Each country defines these terms differently in law.

Q: How many nonprofits fail within their first year?
A: Around 30% of nonprofits fail to survive beyond ten years . While exact first-year failure rates are harder to pin down, early organizational stability depends on clear governance, adequate funding, and committed volunteer and board leadership.

Q: How do I find a nonprofit to donate to or volunteer with?
A: Most countries maintain public charity registries. In the U.S., use IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search; in the UK, search the Charity Commission Register; in Canada, use the CRA Charity Search; in Australia, search the ACNC Charity Register.

Q: Why is volunteer screening important for nonprofits?
A: Approximately 63 million Americans — 25% of the adult population — volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference . Screening protects vulnerable beneficiaries, reduces organizational liability, and builds donor and community confidence. FCRA-compliant background checks are essential for any organization working with children, elderly individuals, or vulnerable populations.

Sources & references

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