Local nonprofits are in jeopardy

We are living in unprecedented times. As politicized battles over DEI, government-sector inefficiencies, and immigration rage, the nonprofit sector is caught in the crossfire. The critical supports and services we contribute to Cedar Rapids and Linn County are in jeopardy. Threats to our missions and the necessary funding to fulfill our missions create uncertain environments and uncertain futures.

Nonprofits are asked to solve big social problems: poverty, hunger, homelessness, inequities, injustice, suicide, and even climate change. We are the bridge between what the government provides and what is available from the for-profit sector. And that is a huge bridge to gap. We provide advocacy, food, shelter, health care, crisis services, legal representation, substance abuse treatment, employment supports, pathways to home ownership and so many other critical services. We allow families to stay together, support them to become and remain employed at our hospitals, companies, small businesses, and nonprofits, and fight every day for the insufficient funds necessary to do this work. Nonprofits also contribute to the arts and culture of our landscape, bringing quality of life, tourism, and dollars to the city and county which drive our economies.

We keep people in this community.

If our capacities get cut due to funding restrictions or tax changes, nonprofits will be forced to scale back or eliminate services. Unfortunately, the need will not go away and it will not be fulfilled. The result will be a loss of jobs, an unsupported workforce, and loss of services and cultural experiences that improve the lives of everyday people.

Everyone in a community benefits from a healthy and strong nonprofit sector. Now more than ever, we need your support. Talk to your legislators. Let them know it is important to make sure nonprofits continue to fight for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and enrich the culture of our communities. Advocate for sustained funding and Medicaid support, as budget cuts threaten the essential services many rely on. Let businesses know that supporting nonprofits is vital to their own recruitment and retention and they should invest generously. Let granters and foundations know that nonprofits can be trusted to use unrestricted dollars to further their mission and still get great results. And finally, let everyone know how much nonprofits have helped you and your family — because we guarantee that at some point in your life, you have benefited or will benefit from the work of a nonprofit organization.

Theresa Lewis is the Executive Director of The Arc of East Central Iowa. This editorial is cosigned by the following area nonprofits: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa, Brucemore, Catherine McAuley Center, Feed Iowa First, Southeast Linn Community Center, The Arc of East Central Iowa, United We March Forward, and Willis Dady Homeless Services