Thankful for Nonprofits

The role of nonprofit organizations, foundations and boards is vast, and people’s understanding of how they function is often general and limited. The contributions of nonprofits affect our community significantly, and they employ 9 percent of the workforce across the state of Kansas. 

“People do not often understand the concept of what nonprofit agencies do or realize the depth of support they can offer, the impact upon the community,” says Cindy Miles, President and CEO of The Kansas Nonprofit Chamber. “Nonprofit organizations function to support community members in need, but as those burdens are lessened, it’s easy to see how that affects the entire community.”

That community support comes in a variety of ways: alleviating homelessness, supporting single mothers, providing childcare, offering mental health services, assisting those trying to break free of substance abuse, screening young children for deficiencies or developmental delays that may need to be addressed, as well as countless other services.

What may not be well known, Miles adds, is how “the work these agencies do alleviates the need to rely so heavily on government assistance. Also, they can have such a positive impact upon the community economically. We want to be a catalyst for building resources and services to contribute to the quality of life in Kansas.” 

One example is the public library downtown. The library’s foundation did significant fundraising to build a library that is open to all and widely used. Other cultural arts programs and public parks are also funded by the work of foundations. The police officers’ foundation funds items that the Wichita PD needs but may not be provided for such as vests, cameras and other gear.

Kristin Bogner, another individual who has passionately dedicated her life to helping others, currently serves on three nonprofit boards in our area and works for The National Association of Secondary Principals, a national nonprofit organization supporting principals and educators (as well as National Honor Society and Student Council endeavors in schools). In years past, Bogner has also worked for two local nonprofit agencies; before that, she educated students as a high school journalism teacher and has written for a variety of publications. The depth and breadth of her experience has prepared her well for this role that continues to support educators.

Bogner says, “One point of interest for nonprofit board members is the leadership structure that they can provide to an agency, foundation, organization or CEO. This framework establishes support for nonprofits at their most foundational levels so that maximum service can be offered and the most benefits can be shared.”

Through her time with and dedication to nonprofit organizations, Bogner feels that several misconceptions exist, one being that in order to need help, someone has to have made a mistake. “Sometimes life circumstances beyond an individual’s control have created a need or hindrance for that person. Often temporary assistance is provided and someone is able to get back on his or her feet. I’ve witnessed this as well as that individual's willingness to then pay their blessing forward.

“Another perception is that nonprofits should only work to raise a limited amount of funds. However, the more money garnered means we are able to better and more fully help others, as well as serve the greatest number of people.”

Although many agencies already exist in Kansas, there is room for others. If anyone is interested in starting a nonprofit group or organization, The Kansas Nonprofit Chamber can help you get established.