Co Authored by Yuheng Wang
After 22 years working in the Nonprofit sector first as a Tax Accountant and then in the capacity as an iMIS Technical Consultant for the vast majority of my NFP experience, recently it has become evident that this is my chosen path for the remainder of my career. So, it was with this care and desire to always improve our offerings to clients in the iMIS community that I began my search for young talent to carry this torch forward.
During my talent search, it was evident that the majority of the highest quality prospects available in the Baltimore, MD area have an Eastern Heritage. As I engaged this talent however, it was obvious these top prospects know very little about the Nonprofit industry in the United States.
After further research, I discovered the NFP industry has it roots in the early Roman Republic about 2,500 years ago. Also, when I read the cover letters from these new recruits, all show an authentic desired to use their new skills to affect a very positive change on their new chosen society in the United States. To me this shows the match between Eastern Talent and Western Nonprofits is much more than a marriage of talent alone. There is a deeper connection I am seeing where values and talent both align.
As my first proof of concept, I asked our current volunteer Yuheng Wang to spend up to 30 minutes to research and report his findings on this synergistic relationship between Eastern talent and Western Nonprofits. Please continue reading to get his take..
The Critical Role of Nonprofits in the USA
Nonprofits operate across a broad spectrum of areas including social services, healthcare, education, and environmental advocacy, to name a few. They are instrumental in mobilizing resources, shaping public policy, and fostering community engagement. For instance, initiatives like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's efforts in global health and education have had profound impacts both domestically and internationally. These organizations embody the spirit of giving and collective action, aiming to create sustainable change in communities across the nation.
The nonprofit sector plays a crucial role in bolstering the US economy, evidencing its importance beyond the social good these organizations provide. Nonprofits are significant employers, with 12.3 million people on their payrolls, which exceeds many other industries in the US, including construction, transportation, and finance. This employment contributes more than $826 billion annually in salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes, showcasing the sector's economic weight.
Moreover, the expenditure of nonprofits on goods and services further amplifies their economic impact. Annually, nonprofits spend nearly $1 trillion for various needs, ranging from medical equipment for hospitals to everyday necessities like office supplies and utilities. This spending supports countless additional jobs and drives further economic activity. (data from the National Council of Nonprofits and FORVIS's 2023 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report)
The Growing Interest of Eastern Talent
Many individuals from the East are motivated by a desire to engage in work that transcends cultural and national boundaries. The nonprofit sector in the West, with its global reach and impact, offers an appealing platform for such engagement. These individuals bring with them unique cultural insights and perspectives that enrich the nonprofit landscape, fostering greater creativity and effectiveness in addressing global challenges.
Eastern international graduates often come with robust academic credentials and a drive to apply their knowledge towards meaningful causes. Their education has equipped them with critical analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset, which are crucial in the innovative and project-driven environment of nonprofits. Moreover, their pursuit of work that is impactful aligns perfectly with the mission-driven nature of the nonprofit sector.
The nonprofit sector provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development. For Eastern talents, this represents a chance to lead initiatives, build global networks, and develop skills that are highly valued across sectors. The diversity of roles within nonprofits, from direct service provision to research and policy advocacy, offers a rich terrain for career exploration and growth.
Conclusion
As someone who has dedicated his career supporting the Nonprofit sector to achieve great things with iMIS, I feel the connection of Eastern talent with Western Nonprofits is an important revelation I find very encouraging.
