Strong communities rely on a strong nonprofit sector

guest contributor Kristi Knous, president, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

As we have weathered the storms of 2020, it has become clear that while we are all in the same storm, we are in very different boats. While the challenges and opportunities faced by the nonprofit sector have been unique to each organization, the collective effort to meet their critical missions in meaningful ways has been truly inspiring.

In the face of crisis, our nonprofits have stepped up, leaned in and have been the feet on the ground meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. They have recognized that many in our community were facing a storm before the pandemic and are now in a position where it is increasingly difficult to hold on. And in Greater Des Moines we must be committed to not leaving anyone behind.

While we could not anticipate what this year would bring, we have long held the belief that we would not have a strong and innovative community without a strong and innovative nonprofit sector. Through my work at the Community Foundation I am privileged to witness the stories of this strength and innovation as they have led and served in this time of unprecedented challenge.

The Community Foundation truly believes we are better together. Through powerful nonprofit partnerships during this time of challenge, it is humbling to see this belief in action. When it became clear that there were individuals and families who were “falling through the cracks” of various programs, three organizations serving the Latinx population came together to create the Central Iowa Immigrant Community Support Fund and provide funding to keep families safe, healthy and housed. If it weren’t for the collaboration of Polk County, Iowa Legal Aid and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, hundreds of individuals may not have been able to access legal and rental support to avoid eviction and homelessness. Facing the uncertainty of ever-changing “return to learn” plans in our community, many nonprofit organizations have quickly added daylong care options allowing parents to maintain employment knowing their children are cared for and supported in a new virtual learning environment. These are but a few powerful examples of the nimble, collaborative spirit of our invaluable nonprofit sector.

While partnerships have been priceless as many nonprofits have faced a surge in service, others have faced difficulties as necessary health and safety practices have made it challenging to offer their typical programming. In the face of these obstacles, they have strategically pivoted. Theaters have provided performances in parking lots, arts organizations have moved classes online, and the creativity that enhances our lives through the offerings of our cultural organizations has translated into innovative ways for our community to continue to learn, grow and thrive.

Our nonprofits have also long led the way when it comes to the fight for an inclusive and equitable community. I have been moved by the ways in which nonprofits have challenged and supported our community as we do the hard, but necessary, work of ensuring Greater Des Moines is a place where all are safe and welcomed. Diversity, equity and inclusion must be more than just values our community strives for; we need to listen and learn from our neighbors and local organizations who are working each day to ensure they are values in action. There is much more to do, but building bigger tables where all voices are actively engaged and heard will help us move forward, together. There’s really no other way.

As we face the long road of recovery, I can say with confidence that our nonprofits will be there to lead the way. But they cannot do it alone. As Iowans, generosity and a spirit of helping one another is core to our culture. As we feel called to help, supporting our nonprofit organizations is a great place to start. Visit www.givedsm.org to discover and learn about the needs of local organizations and then give to support the causes you care about. Reach out to our nonprofits as you consider ways you feel comfortable volunteering or lending your leadership by serving on a nonprofit board or committee. There are countless ways to engage, and our nonprofit community needs the support of our community now more than ever.

Watching the ways our nonprofits have stepped up to the challenges of today and how our community has come alongside them to support their efforts, I have never been prouder to call Greater Des Moines home. We are better together, but what I have learned from the past year is that we live in a community committed to being better forever.