Support area nonprofits on ‘Great Give Day’ May 3 in Johnson County

One organization helps people to move beyond homelessness. Another seeks to expand library collections and services. Still another works to feed, clothe and connect neighbors to resources and services. Another researches community needs and provides a forum where concerned citizens can tackle community problems together.

These are just a few of the organizations behind the new Johnson County Great Give Day, to be held May 3. This collective effort will raise awareness about the work of nonprofits in Johnson County, with the goal of driving donations toward these organizations to support that work.

Johnson County is home to hundreds of nonprofits, large and small, all doing amazing work to improve the lives of people in our communities. Sometimes that work is very visible, such as with a large outdoor music festival. Other times it is invisible to most, a subtle helping hand offered to someone facing challenges.

The quality of life we enjoy in Johnson County is due in large part to the work of these nonprofit organizations. Many of their events and services are offered for free. But that does not mean they come without cost.

The goal of Great Give Day is to give organizations the chance to share their story, this collective effort shining a light on the myriad ways nonprofits have a positive effect on our community. This, in turn, offers you the opportunity to support that work.

Leaders from six area “Nonprofit Champions” serve as a steering committee for this inaugural Great Give Day, helping to create this campaign and will act as ambassadors on behalf of the effort: The Community Foundation of Johnson County, the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation, the North Liberty Community Pantry, Shelter House, and United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties.

Between now and May 3, you will hear from many area nonprofit organizations about the work they do, their missions, their challenges and their successes. They will share ways you can support and get involved with that work. Please help to amplify these messages, by sharing the stories of nonprofits you work with or have encountered in your day-to-day life.

Just as there is a wide variety of programs and services offered by nonprofits in our county, the types and levels of funding they receive can vary greatly. Regardless of size, scope, or funding sources, you can be assured that every nonprofit can use your help. Services often expand or contract based on the funding available. More support means more impact.

Please join us on May 3 as we all work to improve our communities through the work of our nonprofits on Johnson County Great Give Day!

John Kenyon is the executive director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization and a member of the Johnson County Great Give Day steering committee.