Organizations need help, especially in tough times
Several years ago I learned an important sailing lesson when we were almost shipwrecked in the Strait of Juan de Fuca — you have to keep some sail up even in a strong storm in order to steer the ship. I was reminded of this recently by a friend concerned about nonprofits in Idaho. Many solid organizations are struggling in a worsening economy to find enough resources to keep their programs going. Yet this is the most important time for them to stay the course.
Most of us don’t think about nonprofits collectively, yet we all benefit from the myriad nonprofit organizations in our communities. Nonprofits give our children something to do after school, provide us with art, culture and entertainment, give us places to worship, rescue our pets, and maintain our hiking trails. They help those less fortunate with shelter, food, health services and job training. They are instrumental in giving us the high quality of life enjoyed in North Idaho.
The nonprofit sector is sometimes described as everything that’s not either private business or public government. What all nonprofits have in common is that they serve for the benefit of the public. In North Idaho there are more than 200 charitable nonprofit organizations and many more parent, sport and club groups. Charitable nonprofit organizations in Idaho employ thousands of people, equal to the number in the wholesale trade, financial services or transportation sectors, and make up almost $2 billion of the Idaho gross domestic product.
As important as the nonprofit sector is, it is often the first and hardest hit by economic downturns. Just at the time that families need the most from nonprofit organizations, nonprofits struggle with fewer resources to deliver programs. Donors and volunteers, concerned about their own circumstances, pull back from their ordinarily generous giving levels. Corporate sponsorships are harder to come by as profits cool. Funders can be pulled in multiple directions by nonprofits needing operating dollars and those engaged in large capital campaigns.
Stay the course
More than ever, North Idaho non-profits need our help to steer their ships in the gathering storm. Fortunately, there are many ways for each of us to contribute.
1. Volunteer. Idaho boasts the second highest volunteer rate in the United States and youth volunteerism is surging all over the country. MySpace and Facebook offer innovative matchmaking services for nonprofits and young adults looking for meaningful ways to connect with their communities. Don’t hesitate to contact an organization you’re interested in and offer your professional or personal skills.
2. Serve on a board. Vibrant, engaged boards are a critical component to successful nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits rely on board members to set strategy, provide oversight and governance, and raise funds. Board service is not only a rewarding experience, it can help further your career and personal goals by giving you opportunities to meet people and serve in roles that help you gain experience and knowledge.
3. Invest. Nonprofit organizations offer tremendous returns to your investment dollars. Of course the returns aren’t financial but are social in nature, and directly support the quality of life people have come to expect and enjoy in north Idaho. Create an investment plan with your family. Think through what nonprofit services you directly and indirectly benefit from. Be as generous as you can in your financial support in these challenging times.
Nonprofit organizations give their best to us and deserve our best back. Give them the power they need to fill their reefed sails and successfully steer through the rough.
? Lynn Hoffmann is the executive director of the Idaho Nonprofit Center, a statewide association dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector in Idaho. The Nonprofit Center provides training, management support, resources, referrals and public education and can be found at www.idahononprofits.org You can reach Lynn atlhoffmann@idahononprofits.org, or (208) 424-2229.