Idaho Gives fetes, supports state's nonprofits
Though divided by our vast geography, the perceived divide between urban and rural, and even our politics, there’s one thing that we can count on to unite the people of this great state: Idahoans love their nonprofits. And with good reason.
A recent Idaho Statesman report that looked at nonprofits in the Treasure Valley concluded that nonprofits are doing a lot with a little money, prioritizing the delivery of services, and being fiscally responsible with respect to overhead and salaries. Of course, none of this was surprising to people who work in the nonprofit sector or who are engaged with nonprofits as volunteers, board members, and donors.
The article also pointed out that Idaho is one of the highest-ranking states for volunteerism; we’re also near the top of the pack in terms of giving, on a per capita basis and taking into consideration average income. We should be proud of the generous spirit that is inherent to Idaho. That generosity and pride will take center stage once again this year on May 5 — the fourth annual Idaho Gives day.
If you’d told me four years ago that we could raise more than a million dollars for hundreds of nonprofits in just 24 hours, I might have thought you were crazy. But in fact, raising just shy of $500,000 in 2013, and then almost $800,000 in 2014, followed by another record-setting $1.1 million last year, Idaho Gives continues to surpass expectations and reaffirm that Idahoans want to make these critical investments in their communities.
Why does Idaho Gives work and why do we continue to engage ever-larger numbers of donors, and the participation of over 600 nonprofits around the state? I believe it’s the fact that Idaho Gives focuses attention on not only the important work but also the amazing diversity of nonprofits in this state. You’d be hard pressed to review the list of nonprofits participating in Idaho Gives and conclude, “There’s nothing here that reflects my priorities.” Whether your interest is investing in schools or museums, sustaining the arts, providing food, shelter, or healthcare to those in need, protecting rivers and lakes, addressing addiction or mental health issues, extending services to seniors or veterans, expanding transportation options, supporting those with disabilities or chronic disease, or funding international development work, there’s truly something for everyone.
We give on this day because the organizations themselves create a heightened awareness of the many ways in which they fill the needs in our communities. It feels good to rally together around our vital nonprofit organizations and show them some love. And yes, there is some friendly competition amongst nonprofits, to compete for various additional awards throughout the day, but it’s all in spirit of collaboration; the nonprofits know, per the theme of this year’s Idaho Gives, that we, “Do More, Together.”
On May 5, think about that organization that is really doing the work that moves and inspires you as it strives to make our world (or community) a better place. Check out idahogives.org to discover nonprofits that perhaps you’re not familiar with but that share your values and priorities. Many past Idaho Gives participants note that after perusing the list of 600-plus nonprofits, they felt compelled to give not just to one, but to several organizations. I also encourage businesses to get involved by promoting Idaho Gives to their employees or on their signs or reader boards, perhaps providing matching donations for employees, and using their communications channels and customer reach to spread the word.
Together we can do more. And we will once again on May 5, when Idaho Gives.
Laura Smith is public relations manager at Idaho Central Credit Union and the vice president of the board of the Idaho Nonprofit Center.