The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s most recent breakfast invited leaders from local non-profit organizations to highlight how nonprofits are essential contributors to the local economy while also functioning as charitable organizations.
In Franklin County, nonprofits are often discussed in terms of need, with a focus on who we serve, what services are underfunded, and where the gaps are growing. This is often the case at LifePath, along with how folks can help, and we’ll get to that part, too. These are important conversations, especially as state budget pressures are leading to waitlists in some of our programs, and as federal uncertainty creates significant challenges to planning responsibly. But focusing only on need hides the fact that nonprofits are also employers, purchasers, partners, and stabilizers. We generate economic activity, support the workforce and region, and help hold families and communities together.
Nonprofits are real businesses. We innovate. We respond to crises in real time. We stretch every dollar as far as it will go. And we do it while strengthening the economic and social fabric of Franklin County.
The Chamber’s willingness to give nonprofits this platform highlights their continued support and deep understanding of our work. Too often, nonprofits are viewed as detractors from the economy rather than an integral part of and significant contributor to it. Getting for-profit and non-profit leaders together helps reinforce the economic interconnectedness of the community and the contributions of nonprofits. I appreciated the opportunity to remind people that nonprofits are real businesses. We innovate. We respond to crises in real time. We stretch every dollar as far as it will go. And we do it while strengthening the economic and social fabric of Franklin County.
At LifePath, our contribution extends beyond our mission. LifePath spends over $23 million each year in Franklin County. Much of that spending goes directly to payroll. Our employees live here, pay rent and mortgages here, buy groceries here, get their cars repaired here, go out to eat here, attend performances here, and pay taxes here. In fiscal year 2025, LifePath’s compensation and related expenses totaled $10 million, with another $13.7 million spent on purchased services. That’s $23 million flowing directly into the local economy each year.
And LifePath is just one organization. Across the county, nonprofits collectively employ over five thousand people and rely on local vendors to deliver services. Those vendors employ even more people of their own. The ripple effects extend outward, touching businesses and households that may never directly interact with a nonprofit program but nonetheless benefit from its presence.
Another beneficial ripple effect is the deep partnerships in our area. Amanda Sanderson is the executive director of the Resilience Center of Franklin County. LifePath and the Resilience Center often refer individuals between our two organizations. She emphasizes that “intimate partner violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Because clients’ needs are often complex, they frequently require support beyond the scope of domestic violence counseling alone.”
“That’s why our partnership with LifePath is so vital. We know that we can call LifePath and connect our clients to another group of compassionate, knowledgeable folks who are dedicated to serving our community’s older adults. This resource has been essential as we work to build stronger support networks and help bolster our clients in their healing journeys.”
Sanderson emphasizes that partnerships like this allow organizations to meet people’s needs more holistically, without any single agency having to be an expert in every service area. “Every time LifePath calls us with a referral, we’re extending another layer of safety and support around a community member,” she says. “That’s the collaborative and compassionate spirit of Franklin County. Cross-referrals weave a more robust and stable community.”
Another incredibly important ripple effect of non-profit work is the costs our community avoids. LifePath’s case management helps to prevent hospital readmissions to an already burdened healthcare system. LifePath’s Meals on Wheels wellness checks reduce strain on first responders. Careful coordination of services keeps people out of nursing homes that are understaffed, overextended, and costly. Our work helps people remain in their homes, where they want to be and where they can continue contributing to their communities. Most importantly, LifePath supports people in retaining their choice and dignity.
As one of Massachusetts’ 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAP), LifePath administers the Enhanced Community Options Program, or ECOP. This program serves older adults living in the community with high care needs and a functional or cognitive impairment, and who are at risk of institutionalized nursing home placement. The average annual cost of ECOP is about $16,400 per enrollee. Institutional nursing home care costs more than $80,000 per year. That’s a savings of roughly $64,000 per person, annually. LifePath currently serves 133 ECOP participants, saving taxpayers an estimated $8.5 million annually. Statewide, our ASAP network helps Massachusetts annually avoid nearly $594 million in expenses in just this one program.
Like nonprofits, caregivers are another group whose economic impact is often invisible. In Massachusetts alone, more than 780,000 caregivers provide an estimated 730 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at $15.1 billion. Many also work outside the home and LifePath provides support to caregivers that help them remain in the workforce. Our Community Engagement Center offers structured, nurse-led adult day programming that allows caregivers time to work, attend appointments, or manage daily responsibilities. Our case managers help families access home-based services and caregiver support programs that create flexibility and stability. Support group participants learn tools and strategies to manage their particular situations.
A frequent question at the breakfast was “How can I help?” There are a number of ways. Know who we are and what we do. Business owners and frontline staff often know when something isn’t quite right for a customer or client and may have a relationship that would allow a simple suggestion like “Have you thought about calling LifePath?” That interaction can start a ripple effect that supports not just one person, but others close to them. Another way is to volunteer your time or talent, or make a financial contribution. Supporting your local nonprofit is good for the soul, the community, and the economy.
