We’re done with the broken system.
We’re unleashing the social sector from everything that holds it back.
5.2% of our GDP.
That’s just a launchpad.
We’re 5.2% of the GDP and we’re going to start acting like it. That’s why we’re done with the myths about our work. The restricted funding that doesn’t cover the real cost of impact. We’re done with the system as it exists. We’re breaking it and rebuilding it.
*If the social sector were its own country it would rank it among the top 10 economies in the world.
We’re not passive beneficiaries.
We’re an economic force.
12.5 MILLION
EMPLOYED
The social sector is the third largest employment sector in the U.S. That’s more than many major industries. In fact, we are a major industry—we are essential to the workforce. We strengthen communities and support systems that real people rely on daily.
* As of December 2024
1.4 TRILLION dollars
TO THE U.S. ECONOMY
Yes, that’s a capital “T” as in trillion. The social sector contributes more to the US economy than most Fortune 500 industries but it’s often overlooked in conversations about economic development, infrastructure, and innovation. We’re going to change that.
* 2023
A measure of our country’s economic output
Share of 2024 U.S. GDP
Utilities
1.5%
Transportation
3.3%
Hospitality
4.4%
Construction
4.5%
Social Sector
5.2%
This is how we rise:
Co-create and test new funding models and organizational structures.
Pilot new strategies in different communities across the nation.
Dream, take risks, and innovate.
Openly share what we learn and start to scale.
No time to waste. Here’s what’s next.
We’re not waiting. In year one, we’re laying the groundwork for a new system that actually works.
Coordinate
bold action
across communities to test new models that challenge how the sector is seen and funded.
Flip the
narrative
through national campaigns, documentary storytelling, and real-time media response.
Equip the
frontlines
with tools, training, and resources to push back against broken norms.
Fuel policy
change
from the ground up—with the strategies, partnerships, and advocacy to back it.
We’re just getting started. The rise is real and underway.
THIS IS
OUR MOMENT.
Get loud
& get clear
Spread the message
Follow
and amplify
our rise
CONNECT
WITH THE
MOVEMENT
Fuel
THE
REVOLUTION
RISE WITH US
Five & Rising is a Social Current initiative inspired by the film, UnCharitable.
If you would like to learn about bigger opportunities to join us, please reach out to Stephanie Pacinella, senior director of strategy and growth at Social Current.
* Data source: 2024 Independent Sector “Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector
