Can you guess which sector of the Idaho economy the list below describes?

• Contributes $2.6 billion, or 4.7 percent, to the annual state GDP

• Employs 39,000 workers and pays $1.5 billion in wages

• Is a bigger employer than agriculture, wholesale trade, the information sector, or finance and insurance - and two and half times the size of forestry and mining combined

• Boasts the state's largest private employer

It may surprise you to learn that this economic engine of Idaho is, in fact, the nonprofit sector.

We are accustomed to thinking of nonprofits as organizations doing good, helping people in need and providing us opportunities to volunteer. And the nonprofit sector is all those things. In fact, generous Idahoans contribute 60 million hours of volunteer service every year - a remarkable number that is equivalent to 29,000 full-time jobs.

What is not always top of mind is how much nonprofits contribute to our state as a place to do business, raise children, recreate and retire. One of the main reasons to move businesses to the area, according to the statewide chambers of commerce, is quality of life. Look a bit further to find that quality of life is defined by arts, culture and outdoor recreation - all supported by the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit organizations are important partners to business and government in keeping Coeur d'Alene and surrounding communities healthy and vibrant with thriving economies. In Kootenai County, we are home to more than 425 charitable nonprofit organizations who together spend more than $62 million annually in our area. Yet too often, nonprofits are an after-thought; something we contribute to when we're done doing the real work of our days; a nice-to-have amenity when we're looking for something to do on the weekends; something that "other" people need.

We take for granted that we have options to enjoy performing arts, can ride bikes along a clean river or hike in the open spaces of the foothills, have after-school activities for our kids and are provided with quality health care. We benefit from living in a community that takes care of the disadvantaged among us, helping people find food, shelter and employment assistance. We have rich spiritual lives, aided by the many faith-based organizations operating in our towns.

Take some time during this year's Idaho Nonprofit Week, Nov. 13-19, and reflect on the many ways nonprofits contribute directly - and indirectly - to our lives.

Then, do something!

Learn more about the nonprofits working in your communities. Volunteer your time in a meaningful way to one or perhaps many different organizations. Step up to a board position and help nonprofit organizations raise appropriate funds to sustain their operations. Make a personally significant financial gift to an organization you care about.

Healthy nonprofits are essential - they complement a robust business sector and a supportive government infrastructure in driving the economic development of our state. Do your part to ensure the nonprofit sector continues to make the meaningful impact we have come to rely on. Investing in the nonprofit sector is an investment in the economic and social capital of our communities.

Ruth Pratt is a board member of the Idaho Nonprofit Center, a statewide association dedicated to the success of Idaho's important nonprofit sector. The Nonprofit Center educates nonprofit organizations on effective management practices, and works to increase public awareness of the nonprofit sector's contributions and issues. More information about the Nonprofit Center's services is available at www.idahononprofits.org or (208) 424-2229.