This is a very interesting article on a study conducted in conjunction with Compass Point Solutions and the University of San Francisco’s Institute for nonprofit management. The study surveyed about 1,000 nonprofits in the San Francisco area.  One particular statistic brought on a discussion in the local media:

Immediately following the study’s release, some of the editorials and opinions in local media focused on the high number of nonprofits in the city. With over 7,000 registered tax exempt organizations, the headlines seemed to sensationalize the study’s findings as a glut of nonprofit organizations, translating into a drain on our economy. The reality is that 43% of these nonprofits have budgets $25,000 or under; 17% are philanthropic foundations and give money to vital programs; and the nonprofit sector accounts for eight percent of all wages paid in San Francisco.

Also, remember those controversial “San Francisco values” that got drubbed in the national media when Nancy Pelosi became House Speaker? What a better demonstration of “San Francisco values” than a robust sector whose primary tasks are to educate, serve and improve the lives of all citizens. That last point, too, is a salient take-away from the study. It isn’t as though San Francisco’s nonprofit organizations are serving solely San Franciscans. National and international charities set up shop in our city because of our world-class reputation for philanthropy and innovation.