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National Nonprofit Day, observed on August 17, honors the essential role nonprofit organizations play in our daily lives. These groups, which have supported our community through both routine difficulties and major emergencies, are greatly appreciated in Linn County.
Nonprofits do more than only provide aid when people need it. They are always there, silently but effectively ensuring the prosperity of our town. This serves as a helpful reminder to all of us to pause and consider their true significance to our community.
Nonprofits offer a social safety net to our community in conjunction with government initiatives. These groups make ensuring that everyone in Linn County has the chance to prosper by assisting locals in meeting their fundamental requirements, such as housing, food, healthcare, education, etc. It’s a blessing that NGOs collaborate effectively to build this safety net. Our city is among the few in the country experiencing a decrease in homelessness because of a creative partnership.
Naturally, it is inaccurate to believe that the nonprofit sector waits quietly to help our community when it needs it. Nonprofits are shaping Linn County’s culture and propelling the local economy, just like for-profit companies. These groups are drawing tourists and new taxpayers in addition to providing jobs for locals and spending money in the area. Nonprofits involved in the arts and culture in the area are strong and creative. Our community’s capacity to develop and thrive is enhanced when these organizations are strengthened.
Additionally, nonprofits are establishing connections. Nonprofits provide the civic involvement that fosters a feeling of community; they forge cross-sector partnerships and unite individuals from diverse backgrounds. For instance, PATCH united hundreds of volunteers, government agencies, nonprofits, and private companies to assist locals in their recovery after the 2020 derecho. After more than 2,900 hours of volunteer work restored nearly 300 homes, the initiative finally came to an end.
However, developing a robust charity sector requires more than just volunteer hours. To create and maintain an efficient nonprofit infrastructure, corporations, legislators, and community members must all support the initiative. When the residents of Linn County support and depend on those groups in times of tragedy, the significance of that infrastructure and buy-in becomes evident. Community support will be even more crucial as regulatory changes jeopardize NGO operations and funding sources. Maintaining the mutually beneficial partnerships between governments, corporations, and organizations will require our collective dedication.
Whether we’re enjoying green space, getting health care, going to a museum, or asking for help, we all value and depend on NGOs. I urge you to express your gratitude for these organizations more forcefully on this National Nonprofit Day. Contributions of cash or time to a nearby nonprofit organization are an investment in the partners, leaders, and innovators building a more resilient community for everybody.
The CEO and president of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is Karla Twedt-Ball.
