Indiana nonprofits grow in traditionally for-profit areas

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) – A new report from Indiana University says the state’s nonprofits are expanding into industries traditionally seen as being dominated by for-profit companies.

The (Bloomington) Herald Times reports that the IU study says nonprofits in nontraditional industries have experienced “remarkable growth” and that many gained market share.

The report focused on five so-called minor industries: finance, information, company management, scientific and technical services, and utilities. Nonprofit employment grew 29 percent from 1995 to 2011 in those industries, while for-profit employment rose just 2 percent.

Kirsten Gronbjerg, associate dean of faculty at IU’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, says nonprofits in such industries are overlooked and are a small part of the state’s economy. But she says they seem “remarkably resilient and competitive.”