Why Nonprofits are Critical- Osa Philanthropy Opinon
Nonprofits are critical to our communities. No, let me rephrase that. The SERVICES, PROGRAMS and SPACES that typically come from nonprofit organizations are critical to our communities. Any business, nonprofit or for profit, can provide great community services such as after school programs, healthcare, youth development, cultural exchange… just to name a few. But nonprofits have been given special status, called tax exempt status, to provide these services by the government because there is a gap between what the government can provide and what business can make a profit doing. While some nonprofits tend to stay in business just to stay in business, most actually want to put themselves out of a job and I think that’s the way to go.
I’m in the business of helping nonprofits raise more money. And here’s why:
I’ve lived places where people have very little and there is no safety net. Some days people eat, some days they have a safe place to sleep, and some days they just don’t. While in these situations family, friends and neighbors often help out, it puts a LOT on them when the individual in question never seems to get out of their own way. And then what? So, I believe in the work of nonprofits.
People don’t start nonprofits to run a business. They start them because they see a need and they want to help. Most people do not know about all the expectations around fundraising and how to bring money into an organization consistently. I can help with this, so I do.
Money is often the limiting factor for most organizations I speak with to do more. Sure, sometimes it’s money and not having the right people in the right places, or something else, but usually money is involved.
I’m grossed out by how much money is in the hands of the few, or sits in coffers and investment vehicles to grow. Sure, I understand that growing funds is important too, but there are solvable problems right now that could actually be fixed if we focused our attention and resources on them. In our short time on this earth, don’t we want to do right by the planet, and the people, plants and animals that inhabit it? That’s a big YES for me!