Small nonprofits earn kudos for big impact on Arizona

Amy Hysell

Submitted photo/Arizona Financial Credit Union

In many cases, small nonprofits are built by people who saw a need in their own community and decided to respond. They may operate with lean teams, volunteer support and limited budgets, but their impact can be profound. For these organizations, targeted support can make a meaningful difference in helping resources reach people quickly and directly. Even a modest donation can go a long way.”

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OPINION — National Nonprofit Day is a timely reminder to recognize the vital organizations working every day to strengthen our communities.

Across Arizona, nonprofits of all sizes play an essential role in the daily lives of our citizens. Large organizations often have the infrastructure and reach to serve thousands of people, respond to complex needs and support communities at scale. Their work is critical.

At the same time, smaller, community-based nonprofits also deserve recognition for the crucial work they do every day to meet needs in the communities they know best.

These organizations are closely connected to the people and neighborhoods they serve. They understand local challenges because they witness them firsthand. They know the families striving to remain stable, the children lacking resources to thrive, the first responders deserving support and the local needs that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Because they are embedded in their communities, small nonprofits can often respond with trust, flexibility and a thorough understanding of what support will make the greatest difference.

In many cases, small nonprofits are built by people who saw a need in their own community and decided to respond. They may operate with lean teams, volunteer support and limited budgets, but their impact can be profound. For these organizations, targeted support can make a meaningful difference in helping resources reach people quickly and directly. Even a modest donation can go a long way, helping small nonprofits stretch limited resources and continue serving the people who rely on them.

A strong nonprofit ecosystem needs organizations of all sizes. Larger nonprofits bring scale, structure and broad reach. Smaller nonprofits bring deep community relationships, flexibility and a close understanding of local needs. Together, they strengthen the support systems Arizona communities rely on.

That is why it is important for funders, businesses and community members to seek out, support and stay connected to the many organizations serving Arizona in different ways. Some of the most meaningful work happening around us is being done by organizations many people may not yet know.

At Arizona Financial Foundation, we have supported this work through the Local Causes grant program, launched in 2020 to support hyper-local nonprofits across Arizona. The program focuses on organizations with operating budgets under $2 million and this October will award a combined total of $300,000 to 20 nonprofits. As the public voting phase opens on Aug. 24, community members will have an opportunity to learn about the finalist organizations and vote for the causes they would like to see receive funding.

That process is a reminder that support starts with awareness. This National Nonprofit Day, I encourage all Arizonans to take a closer look at the nonprofits serving their neighborhoods and communities. Learn about their missions, share their work, volunteer if you can, donate if you have the means and when opportunities arise to help elevate local causes, take part.

Arizona is stronger when nonprofits of every size have the support they need to serve — not just on National Nonprofit Day, but throughout the year.

 Amy Hysell is president and CEO of Phoenix-based Arizona Financial Foundation’s parent company. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.