Dimensions of the Independent Sector is the first edition of a statistical profile of the independent sector of American society. Its purpose is to increase public understanding about the size, scope, dimensions, and functions of this diverse sector, which includes the vast array of voluntary and philanthropic institutions that provide a variety of services to all Americans. This profile has been compiled from a variety of public and private sources. Estimates of the size and scope of the sector have been made by the authors where data is not collected on a regular basis in order to provide a perspective about this sector and its place in the American economy and society. The goal of this report is to broaden public understanding about this important part of American life which often has been neglected in other statistical appraisals of American society.

Section One provides an overview of the independent sector and its place in the American economy. Some of the indicators in this section demonstrate that the independent sector is an important part of the national economy, and that America's reliance on this sector continues to grow. Section Two examines the sector's sources of support and use of resources. It also provides historical information on employment and wages and salaries. The independent sector continues to grow in terms of expenditures and employment - both paid and volunteer. Although private contributions to the sector have increased, the decade of the seventies was characterized by increasing reliance on government support for many of the sector's activities. Section Three provides financial profiles of the major sub-sectors of the independent sector, including health services, education, religion, social services, foundations, and arts and culture. These sub-sectors depend on revenues from a variety of sources, including income from private contributions, dues and fees, government support and endowment. However, the reliance on any one of these sources or a combination varies by sub-sector.

CONTENTS—Acknowledgements. Foreword. Highlights. Introduction.

Section 1. The independent sector: An overview: Highlights; How much of national income originates in the independent Sector?; How much income did Americans earn from work in each of the sectors?; How many people are employed in the independent sector? What types of employment characterize the sectors? How many organizations are in the independent sector?; How large is the independent sector in comparison to business and government?; How much do the American people expend on the independent sector?

Section 2. Financial trends of the independent sector: Highlights; How do contributions relate to expenditures in the independent sector?; What are the characteristics of individual giving?; What are the characteristics of volunteers?; What are the characteristics of foundation giving?; What are the characteristics of corporate giving?; What are the total sources of support for the independent sector?; How does the independent sector use these resources?; What are the employment trends in the independent sector?; What are the trends in the participation of American society in the independent sector?; What are the assets of the independent sector?

Section 3. Profiles of independent sector organizations by subsector: Highlights; What are the trends in sources of support by subsector?; What are the major uses of resources by subsector?; What are the trends in current operating expenditures?; What are the trends in employment and average wages and salaries?; What are the trends in health services?; What are the trends in education and research?; What are the trends in social services?; What are the trends in arts and cultural organizations?; What are some significant financial and employment trends by sub-sector? Afterword. Notes. Bibliography.

Dimensions of the Independent Sector is the first edition of a statistical profile of the independent sector of American society. Its purpose is to increase public understanding about the size, scope, dimensions, and functions of this diverse sector, which includes the vast array of voluntary and philanthropic institutions that provide a variety of services to all Americans. This profile has been compiled from a variety of public and private sources.