Who Actually Dominates the Local Economy? Take Your Guess
Ask most people in Indian River County what actually drives the local economy, and you'll get the same three guesses nearly every time: tourism, real estate (and, once upon a time, Citrus). Maybe the hospital, if they're being thorough. Almost nobody says "nonprofits," which is a little surprising, because nonprofits are one of the biggest employers in the county, and now there's a report with the latest findings.
According to the Indian River Community Foundation's newly released 2026 Indian River County Nonprofit Market Report, the county is home to 898 nonprofit organizations, which together employ more than 4,100 people and generate roughly $128 million in annual wages. Among the 218 large enough to file a full tax return, total revenue hit $448 million in 2026.
However, Foundation President and CEO Jeff Pickering did sound the alarm on potential government funding cuts, saying the nonprofit sector's role is "significant but underestimated with respect to public dollars." Philanthropy, earned income, and investment income already cover 88 percent of what local nonprofits spend, but organizations nonetheless need to prepare for public funds to shrink further.
It's one reason United Way and the Community Foundation have teamed up to bring back LEARN United for a second season, a series on fundraising, board dynamics, burnout, the whole survival kit for people running organizations. If you're in the nonprofit space here, or you know someone who is, definitely worth taking a look at. More information here.
Full report: ircommunityfoundation.org/resources/nonprofits/
