Nonprofit organizations are integral to the social and economic fabric of Central Oregon. Having served on the boards of several impactful nonprofits — including the Council on Aging for Central Oregon, Boy Scouts of America (Crater Lake Council), Family Kitchen, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council, and Stroke Awareness Oregon — I’ve witnessed the vital role these organizations play in supporting communities and contributing to local economic development.
How Do Nonprofits Serve Diverse Communities?
Each nonprofit responds to the unique needs of the community it serves. Whether providing meals through Family Kitchen, supporting seniors via the Council on Aging, or promoting public health initiatives with Stroke Awareness Oregon, nonprofits in Central Oregon are at the forefront of addressing localized challenges.
Tammy Baney, Executive Director of COIC, emphasizes that nonprofits ensure the community’s most vulnerable populations receive necessary assistance. They respect the diversity of needs, offering targeted solutions that lead to lasting impact. “The richness of community is enhanced by celebrating the diversity within it. Nonprofits have proven that focused engagement brings voice to those who have historically felt voiceless,” she states, highlighting groups like the unhoused, LGBTQ+ community, and Native American populations. This approach fosters connection and builds a strong core of inclusivity.
From my experience with the Boy Scouts of America’s Crater Lake Council, I’ve seen how youth-focused organizations cultivate leadership skills and personal growth across demographics. By empowering the next generation, nonprofits help build a more resilient community.
What Can Businesses Learn from Nonprofits?
Despite differing core objectives, nonprofits and for-profit businesses share striking operational similarities. Nonprofits are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that require efficient management, financial acumen, and strategic planning to thrive. Principles governing successful businesses — sound governance, financial sustainability, and community engagement — apply equally to nonprofits.
One critical lesson from my time with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council is the importance of collaboration. Nonprofits often partner with businesses and government entities to achieve their goals. This symbiotic relationship teaches businesses about leveraging community partnerships for mutual benefit.
Nonprofits are also accountable to multiple stakeholders, similar to how businesses are accountable to investors and customers. By focusing on transparency and accountability, they earn the trust of their members, ensuring resources are used efficiently and ethically.
Nonprofits as Economic Drivers
Nonprofits significantly contribute to the local economy, often acting as employers and service providers. For example, organizations like the Council on Aging reduce strain on public health systems by providing essential services to seniors, while Family Kitchen addresses food insecurity, alleviating the economic and social costs associated with hunger.
Katy Brooks, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce, notes that while businesses require nonprofit support, the landscape has become more complicated. “The Bend Chamber focuses on workforce development, tackling the housing shortage, and representing business interests in policy discussions. We help businesses navigate current challenges,” she explains.
Moreover, nonprofits frequently collaborate with small businesses, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and generating economic activity. A well-managed nonprofit not only fulfills its mission but also stimulates the local economy through job creation and community engagement. Julie Lyche, Executive Director of Family Access Network (FAN), emphasizes, “Central Oregon has a rich history of nonprofits working together to better serve our community. The work we do at FAN could not be accomplished without the support of local businesses and donors.”
What Role Do Nonprofits Play in Long-Term Community Development?
Kim Gammond, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver, explains, “We are building homes that can be purchased by a workforce priced out of market rate housing. Without housing providers like Habitat, our communities cannot develop the capacity needed to serve residents.”
Nonprofits serve as stabilizers and innovators within the community. They address immediate needs — whether through healthcare education or meal provision — while planting the seeds for long-term economic and social development. Their ability to mobilize resources quickly allows them to fill gaps in public services, helping communities thrive even in economic downturns.
Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA Central Oregon, states, “Investing in nonprofit organizations is an investment in our dreams for the future. At CASA, we envision a future where all children learn and grow in safety. Our CASA volunteers provide stability for children in foster care, which has a long-term impact on their lives and our community.”
Nonprofits also serve as testing grounds for initiatives that can be scaled or adopted by larger entities. Many health and social service innovations originate in nonprofit settings and eventually influence public policy and business practices.
Questions for Central Oregon Business Leaders to Consider:
- How can your business partner with nonprofits to address local challenges while driving mutual growth?
- What lessons in governance and accountability can you adopt from nonprofit organizations to strengthen your business practices?
- Are you leveraging the contributions of the nonprofit sector to enhance community resilience as part of your long-term strategy?
Synergy Between Sectors
In Central Oregon, nonprofits are not just charitable entities; they are critical economic players that strengthen the community’s social and financial foundations. My service on various nonprofit boards has shown me how these organizations, when properly managed, can drive both social change and economic growth.
As the lines between sectors continue to blur, the partnership between businesses and nonprofits will grow more vital. Business leaders must recognize that supporting nonprofits isn’t merely philanthropy — it’s a strategic investment in the region’s future.
