Creative Problem-Solving

 

The recession forced many nonprofits to creatively rethink how they do business. Birthline, for example, now includes more items in the Stepping Stones store to appeal to the growing number of men who are enrolled in the program. They are also seeking out new funding sources to serve them.

Nonprofits are also using volunteers to do more with less revenue. Last year marked the largest increase in the number of volunteers nationwide, according to a report released by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Nearly 65 million people volunteered more than 8.1 billion hours—that’s more than one-quarter of the population and an estimated $169 billion.

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Nonprofits are a key component to a community's economic and social vitality.

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Last year, more than 1,300 volunteers donated 23,000 hours at Great River Area Faith in Action. Likewise when the Riverwood Covenant Church in Rockford decided to open a food shelf, a diverse group of residents, churches, skilled tradesmen and businesses volunteered their time and energy to make it happen. For a town without a grocery store or meeting place besides high school sporting events, the food shelf allowed residents to connect with their own community and reconnect with their neighbors. Nonprofits also continue to be leading examples of how both nonprofit and for-profit results.

Before the economy turned downward, a group of almost two dozen St. Cloud-area nonprofits began meeting regularly to identify additional ways they could share resources and avoid duplication. The dialogue enhanced the community’s referral network—essential in today’s economic climate. It also led to simple practices that are improving their bottom lines, including a shared buying arrangement for everything from cleaning supplies to paper.

Economic Engines

	TRAGIC TWIST: "It's not uncommon to hear someone at our food shelf and say 'I used to donate and now I need the service,'". - Steve Bresnahan, Catholic Charities Executive Director

While they are often viewed as second-class relations to their for-profit cousins, nonprofits are a key component to a community’s economic and social vitality.

In 2008, one in every ten Central Minnesotans worked at a nonprofit. In St. Cloud, Catholic Charities employs 600 people and pays out $1 million a month in salaries alone.What’s more, it connects with more than 60,000 clients a year. Its $25 million annual operating budget enables the nonprofit to provide 40 programs that serve residents in 16 counties. And nonprofits’ impact goes far beyond employment.

“Nonprofits represent 10 percent of the local economy and tend to purchase locally, hire locally and help locally,” said Hartle.

A Commitment to Humanity

Food, clothing, shelter, safety. It’s easy to take them for granted—when you have them. Rising joblessness, a pervasive financial crisis and a complete housing meltdown have stripped these necessities from a significant number of central Minnesotans and challenged nonprofits to answer what seems to be an impossible call: to serve more with less. “There are so many people hurting,” said Denice Freih, executive director of Great River Area Faith in Action, which provides care, transportation and other basic service for residents, particularly the elderly, in Sherburne and Wright counties.

Nonprofits across the region are responding to these needs with a conviction and compassion that withstand even the toughest odds.While their causes differ, nonprofits share a commitment to humanity— and a belief that the quality of a community is measured by how it serves its weakest parts.

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“Nonprofits really are the ones looking at the specific local needs of the community and bringing people together to do something about it.  Without nonprofits, a community could lose a certain amount of heart and a certain amount of humanity."
- Cathy Hartle, Initiative Foundation senior program manager

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Recovery

While nonprofits are starting to see some signs of an improved economy, demand for services statewide has not decreased. In fact, 58 percent of Minnesota nonprofits expect to see an increase in services through this December. At the same time, expenses are rising. Many nonprofits will have to turn to their cash reserves and tap additional funding sources.

Despite the tough times, nonprofits continue to be our society’s safety nets. For Ashley and Vinny, Stepping Stones was the lifeline they needed. After enrolling in the program, they each set individual goals and earned essential items for their baby. “I knew I was going to need diapers, but the Stepping Stones program helped me figure out what else I needed and helped me think about what goals I wanted to have for myself,” said Ashley.

Their son Zachary Christopher was born last July. The sleepless nights and unknowns of being a first-time parent aren’t easy, but Zachary makes it worth it. “He’s smiling already,” Ashley said of her six-week-old son. “I know they say they are not supposed to be smiling already, but he is.” IQ

Donors Become Clients

When nonprofit leaders heard news of a looming economic recession, many braced themselves for what they knew would follow: a greater need for services. What they didn’t expect was to see a number of their donors walk through their doors—to ask for help. “It’s not uncommon to hear someone go through our food shelf and say, ‘I use to donate and now I need the service,’” said Steven Bresnahan, the executive director of Catholic Charities.

An accomplished Sartell businesswoman, Denise Brigham expected to donate and volunteer at local nonprofits, but never depend on them. That changed when she said her husband became verbally abusive and violent. Brigham turned to Anna Marie’s Alliance, staying anywhere from two to six hours until she felt it was safe to return home. Now divorced, she shows her gratitude by volunteering and donating to the nonprofit she credits with saving her life.