Nonprofits across the country are navigating an increasingly volatile landscape. Funding cuts, policy shifts, and broader economic uncertainty are creating real challenges for organizations. Local nonprofits are feeling these pressures too, yet their work has never been more essential.
From ensuring neighbors’ basic needs are met to supporting youth, mental health, arts, equity, environmental stewardship, and more, our local nonprofit community is the backbone of Park City and Summit County’s quality of life.
While philanthropic giving cannot entirely replace public dollars, donors like you can play a meaningful role in helping nonprofits stay resilient.
If you’re wondering how best to support the causes you care about during uncertain times, here are several actions to consider:
Connect with the Organizations You Already Support
Reach out to the nonprofits you care about and ask what they’re experiencing and where support is needed most. A quick conversation can offer insights into both immediate gaps and long-term priorities. Simply asking, “How are you doing?” can mean a lot.
Give Unrestricted Funds
If you trust the mission and leadership, trust the organization to allocate funds where they’re needed most. Unrestricted contributions help nonprofits stay nimble, respond to emerging needs, and manage through unsteady financial conditions. Multi-year commitments are especially valuable, allowing organizations to plan ahead rather than focus on constant fundraising.
Monetary Donations Can Go Further at Food Banks
Food drives are impactful, but monetary donations can oftentimes go further at food banks or food pantries. This allows organizations to buy fresh produce and the specific foods that families may prefer. Additionally, many of the local grocery stores and businesses generously offer discounts to them, allowing the money to go further.
Consider Increasing Your Giving
If you’re able, this is a critical time to deepen your support. Donors like you can make a significant difference by considering all the ways (link to yearend giving article) you can give to help organizations avoid service interruptions.
Invest in Advocacy
Direct services are vital, and so is the work that changes systems. Advocacy and organizing efforts help shape policies, expand access, and protect the issues you care about. Funding advocacy groups is an effective way to match your philanthropy with your priorities and causes you champion.
Help Build Up Nonprofit Strength and Capacity
Nonprofits need more than program dollars to thrive. Strategic investments in areas like leadership development, legal and financial guidance, technology, communications, and board training can dramatically improve an organization’s ability to navigate uncertainty. If long-term impact motivates your giving, consider directing some support toward these capacity-building efforts. Park City Community Foundation provides education and grants to local nonprofits and you can support our Community Fund if you want to help.
Stay Engaged and Use Your Voice
Your influence extends beyond your financial support. Stay informed, share why nonprofits matter, and champion policies that protect and strengthen the sector. Advocacy and awareness-building are powerful tools in moments like these. Start by staying up to date on local news, attending City and County Council meetings, and making sure your voice is heard!
Partner With Park City Community Foundation
At the Community Foundation, we’re deeply connected to the challenges and opportunities facing local nonprofits. We’re constantly listening, learning, and collaborating to understand where investments can make the greatest difference. Our mission to help solve our area’s greatest challenges guides every decision we make.
By partnering with us, you help ensure resources reach the organizations addressing today’s most urgent needs while also preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
As we navigate this period of uncertainty together, your generosity, leadership, and compassion remain essential. If you’d like to talk about ways to increase your impact or partner with us more deeply, please reach out to Alexis Brown, VP of Development, at alexis@parkcitycf.org. Thank you for standing with our nonprofit community.
Posted in: Supporting Nonprofits, Donors