7 Reasons Why We LOVE Working with Nonprofits

There’s lots to love when it comes to nonprofits. These organizations strengthen our communities, provide vital services, allow people to create positive change, and so much more.

I have worked with several nonprofits professionally and personally, and like many have seen a glimpse of the impact these dedicated organizations have on my community and beyond.

To me, Valentine’s Day is not only about cheesy gifts and romantic affection. It’s an opportunity for gratitude, reflection, and, let’s be honest — overconsumption of chocolate (if there is such a thing).

As a love letter of sorts to nonprofits, here are seven reasons why we LOVE Working with Nonprofits — and some info on how you can support them in this strange, difficult time:

1. The nonprofit sector is full of good humans.

Nonprofit staff are overwhelmingly good humans that care about contributing to their community. Personally, the people I have met in the sector are some of the most positive, motivated, innovative and kind people I know.

If you’ve worked for or with a nonprofit, you probably know there can be some long hours and hard times involved. How they keep a smile on their face through adversity and little sleep is truly a wonder. Dedication to their cause and mission usually are a big factor, but I feel that these people are called to do this work — and deserve way more recognition for it.

An example near and dear to my heart is Love Connection Dog Rescue based out of Chandler, Arizona. I’ve worked with them for about six months now fostering dogs (the best work from home buddies!). Everyone within the organization volunteers without pay, and it’s way harder work than just taking care of a cute pup for a few weeks.

Adoption events, vet appointments, rescuing dogs in the middle of the desert, and constantly texting and calling people are all a part of their daily work. It’s difficult to imagine where these sweet creatures — like my current foster Dallas (pictured and adoptable as of Feb. 2020*) — would be without the hard work of these good people.

2. Nonprofits strengthen the economy.

Nonprofits employ 12.3 million people, and create work opportunities for millions of individuals above and beyond the millions they employ directly, according to the National Council of Nonprofits.

3. Nonprofits provide critical services.

Nonprofits provide important programs and meet needs that aren't being met by government and private entities.

From charities that help animals, like I mentioned above, to organizations dedicated to the environment, health, education, or social justice, there are so many critical services and causes that just wouldn’t be properly addressed without nonprofits.

The Arizona Community Tree Council, a Think BIG client, is an education and tree community-building nonprofit organization dedicated to the proper care and planting of Arizona trees. Thanks to these folks, we actually have some shade in the desert!

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, tree shaded surfaces can be 20 to 45 degrees cooler than surfaces in direct sun, helping homeowners reduce summer cooling costs.

Thanks to organizations across the world like the Tree Council, we can breathe fresher air and enjoy some much-needed shade.

4. Nonprofits epitomize “thinking BIG”.

Nonprofits set big goals, seemingly impossible missions – and then set out to work toward that mission incrementally on a daily basis.

Think BIG is proud to help nonprofit organizations with strategic marketing, so they can focus on what they do best.

5. Nonprofits allow people to create positive change in their communities.

With so much chaos going on in our country at the current moment, it’s easy to feel discouraged or helpless. But there are very real things people can and are doing via the nonprofit sector to improve our lives.

For example, there are many volunteer opportunities with nonprofits to help save our environment, something many of us need to work together quickly.

Local First Arizona has listed on their blog several Arizona-based nonprofits that are making an impact in solving challenges like climate change. Environmental nonprofits are working hard to protect wild places, finding new ways to protect limited resources, and providing education to foster a culture of sustainability in Arizona (well said, Local First).

If you’ve been concerned about water conservation, the protection of birds, or sustainable food systems, there’s an organization for you. We all have the opportunity to make positive change in our world, and it’s up to us to support these incredible nonprofits.

6. Nonprofits build community.

Similar to donuts in a meeting room, nonprofits bring people together. People feel invested in their own communities because they had a voice in building it.

Through the pandemic I have been inspired by many community-led efforts in my community, including the continuous work of the Agua Fria Food Bank. To keep everyone safe, they started offering emergency food boxes via drive-thru – feeding our neighbors when many have lost their jobs or homes.

7. Nonprofits encourage teamwork.

If you’ve worked with a nonprofit, you know people can wear many different hats. Not only do nonprofits encourage teamwork, but many employees of nonprofits have diverse backgrounds that bring so many perspectives to the table.

Think BIG Consulting’s expert team has a passion for elevating nonprofit organizations’ incredible work by creating and collaborating on strong marketing campaigns, creative promotional materials and concise communications.

Happy LOVE month and thank you to all of the nonprofit organizations, staff and volunteers working to better our communities.

Reach out to the Think BIG team anytime if we can be of assistance in furthering your cause.

*Shameless plug: Please reach out to me if you’re interested in fostering or volunteering with a local animal shelter. I have plenty of tips!