Idaho Nonprofits Face Hiring and Retention Challenges

Report finds one in five organizations struggling to fill open positions, especially for operational roles

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new report on the Idaho nonprofit workforce has found that 21% of Idaho nonprofit organizations are unable to fill open positions, primarily for operational staff roles. The report also found high turnover rates, with 27% for full-time and 37% for part-time nonprofit employees. While 73% of nonprofits facing hiring challenges increased compensation, average raises remained below other sectors, making it difficult for nonprofits to compete for talent.

Why it matters

Nonprofits that provide essential community services like food assistance, mental health support, education, and housing are struggling to find and retain qualified workers, which can impact the delivery of vital programs and services. The workforce challenges facing Idaho's nonprofit sector are a warning sign that the safety net providers many communities rely on are under significant strain.

The details

The Idaho Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report, developed through a partnership between Boise State University's Idaho Policy Institute and nonprofit associations in the Pacific Northwest, found that 21% of Idaho nonprofit organizations have open positions they cannot fill, typically for operational staff roles required to keep services running. Turnover averages 27% for full-time staff and 37% for part-time staff. To address hiring and retention challenges, 73% of nonprofits facing these issues increased compensation, but average raises ranged from just 5% for executives to 9% for operational support staff, leaving many still struggling to match pay in other sectors.

  • The Idaho Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report was released on March 17, 2026.

The players

Idaho Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Report

A report developed through a partnership between Boise State University's Idaho Policy Institute and nonprofit associations in the Pacific Northwest, examining workforce challenges facing Idaho's nonprofit sector.

Kevin Bailey

Vice president of Impact & Nonprofit Center at The Idaho Community Foundation, who commented on the importance of addressing the workforce challenges faced by Idaho's nonprofits.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“People are the programs. When a nonprofit can't hire a case manager, there's a family that doesn't get housing support. When a youth mentor leaves and can't be replaced, there's a teenager who loses a lifeline. This report is a warning signal that the workforce we rely on to keep our communities strong is under significant strain.”

— Kevin Bailey, Vice president of Impact & Nonprofit Center at The Idaho Community Foundation

What’s next

The report was created to help funders, donors, and community leaders make informed decisions about compensation and benefits to address the workforce challenges facing Idaho's nonprofit sector.

The takeaway

The hiring and retention challenges facing Idaho's nonprofit organizations, including high turnover rates and difficulty competing with other sectors for talent, are a concerning sign that the essential community services provided by these organizations are under strain. Addressing these workforce issues will be crucial to ensuring the continued strength of Idaho's nonprofit safety net.