Celebrating National Nonprofit Day: Strengthening Our Community Through Support and Service

The Importance of National Nonprofit Day

National Nonprofit Day, observed on August 17th, is a vital occasion for communities across the United States to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of nonprofit organizations. This day holds particular importance in Jamestown, Stutsman County, North Dakota, as it highlights nonprofits' indispensable role in enhancing our community's social and economic fabric.

Nonprofits address critical needs that often fall beyond the scope of government services, providing support in areas such as healthcare, education, social services, and more. National Nonprofit Day serves as a reminder to acknowledge these organizations' hard work and encourages community members to support them through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

The Role of the Jamestown Community Foundation

To gain deeper insights into nonprofits' impact on our community, we spoke with Barb Lang, the President of the Jamestown Community Foundation. The Foundation, established initially by the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce in 1983 to raise funds for economic development, shifted its mission in the early 1990s with the rise of the Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC). Today, the Foundation focuses on aggregating private and business donations to provide grants to local nonprofits.

"The Jamestown Community Foundation's mission is to support and enhance the work of local nonprofits in Jamestown and Stutsman County," explained Lang. "Our nonprofit community fills so many critical needs here in Jamestown." One example of this support is the grant provided to establish a local Children's Advocacy Center, ensuring that children requiring therapy and interviews related to sexual abuse no longer have to travel to Bismarck or Fargo.

Another success story is the Foundation's grant to a fledgling nonprofit aiming to start an equine therapy program. "This organization has grown into a strong, active nonprofit providing more services each year," Lang noted. These examples illustrate how the Foundation's support can help nonprofits expand their reach and impact within the community.

Contributions and Challenges of Nonprofits

Nonprofits play a crucial role in the economic and social development of Jamestown and Stutsman County. "They fill in the gaps that inevitably occur in a small to medium-sized city, where state-funded services cannot handle the spectrum of need," says Lang. However, nonprofits must overcome significant challenges, primarily the continuous need for funding and volunteers.

"Smaller nonprofits do not have extra funds to do a great deal of marketing or advertising to raise those funds or find more volunteers," the President explained. "The community can help by noticing the work done by these nonprofits and participating with them, both with their donations and time." The Jamestown Community Foundation strives to publicize its grants and tell the stories of these hard-working groups to raise awareness and support.

A Call to Action for National Nonprofit Day

As National Nonprofit Day approaches, Lang emphasizes the importance of community support. "The importance of supporting local nonprofits for residents cannot be overstated," she said. “Even minimal donations help, and each of us needs to do our part to strengthen our community.”

The President encouraged residents to remember two key words on National Nonprofit Day: DONATE and VOLUNTEER. "We have many types of charitable groups in Jamestown, and hardly any of us will go through life without needing the support of one of them," she noted. From the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to food pantries and programs like the Daily Bread, the range of volunteer organizations is extensive and varied in their contributions to the community.

As we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, let's take a moment to appreciate the incredible work done by Jamestown and Stutsman County nonprofits. “Their dedication and service make our community more robust and resilient. By supporting these organizations, we contribute to a better future for all residents,” Lang affirms.