Note: This is the second of three articles aimed at raising awareness around the impact, importance, and struggles of nonprofits in the lead-up to The Big Give on September 18-19, 2024. Read the first article here.

The business model of nonprofit organizations presents unique challenges, particularly during a time when inflation and political landscapes are shifting. For many local nonprofits, a downward trend in community contributions is beginning to threaten their most vital lifeline.

 Donations are a lifeline

 

Charitable donations and philanthropy are the driving forces for nonprofit organizations. These two distinct actions are crucial for supporting the mission of a nonprofit and are essential for its survival.

However, relying on donations and grants presents unique challenges. These funding sources are inconsistent and unpredictable, making it difficult for nonprofits to financially plan for their operations and programs. In many ways, nonprofit organizations rely on the community for support so that they, in turn, can support the community.

Donating to a local nonprofit is a voluntary expense for individuals, corporations, and foundations. So, why should the community support nonprofits in this way?

The main reason is to ensure that nonprofit-based services, which are intentionally poised to sustain and improve lives, can continue. For instance, a local nonprofit that serves senior citizens heavily depends on donations to combat senior isolation and food insecurity.  A recent decline in donations and volunteers has jeopardized services, which provides over 85,000 meals to 570 local seniors annually. Without community support, seniors could be neglected and even go hungry. In no instance should anyone in this community allow this vital nonprofit to disappear.

Similarly, another local nonprofit provides care to families with children with special healthcare needs and offers autism education and bereavement support for those who experience the death of a child.  This organization served around 527 individuals and families in New Braunfels and Comal County in 2023. Their mission is alive due to donations, events and philanthropy. As financial support for this niche service model declines, a reduction in care for the community’s most vulnerable families follows.

A downward trend

 

Money coming into nonprofits has been on a gradual decline since the pandemic. Despite 2023 recording the highest tidal wave in charitable contributions ever at $557.16 billion nationwide, overall giving dropped by 2.1% after adjusting for inflation, according to Giving USA 2023. In 2022, after inflation adjustments, contributions fell by 10.5%.

Downturns, due either to global shifts or donors’ financial situations, have a direct impact on nonprofit organizations.  Like the donors, nonprofits are also hit by inflation and economic uncertainty. Their vulnerability, however, is heightened because they depend on donations and grants, but unlike for-profit businesses, they cannot increase prices.

Presidential election years also pose unique challenges for nonprofits. In times of uncertainty, donors may hesitate when considering who, where and how much to give due to shifting priorities and fear of what may come. The inevitable fluctuation of public opinion further complicates an unpredictable giving cycle. When donors hold back, nonprofits encounter increased competition for dollars on top of the complex fundraising programs they must execute to acquire those funds.

Nonprofits involved in prominent, higher-profile issues often receive more funds, which leaves other critical organizations competing for the remaining resources. In the face of inflation, an election, and dwindling donations, the capacity of nonprofits diminishes significantly, while the demand for their essential services grows exponentially.

Moving forward in faith

 

Despite downward trends in giving, local nonprofit organizations continue to push through tough times to give back to the community that has stood by them. Amidst economic uncertainties and political distress, these organizations remain optimistic about the future. They move forward in faith that the community they aid will continue to support their work.

Thankfully, fundraising initiatives such as The Big Give offer nonprofits a chance to increase outreach, tell their stories, and further engage with the community to raise needed funds. As they navigate difficult times, please lend your support. Your donations and volunteer efforts give them a lifeline to do things like feed hungry seniors and support our most fragile families.

As temperatures and humidity continue to rise throughout the month, several local resources are available for individuals to cool down and avoid health risks associated with extreme heat events.

Extreme heat, such as temperatures above 90 degrees and high humidity that Comal County is expected to experience this week, can lead to heat-related illnesses. These may include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rash. Thankfully, however, nonprofit organizations are providing cooling centers to help our neighbors cool off from the summer sun.

Local cooling centers

 

The Crisis Center of Comal County (CCCC) welcomes anyone in need of a cooling center. They provide ample space to cool down, along with food and water as necessary. The CCCC cooling center will be open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and is located at 655 Landa Street in New Braunfels.

Additionally, the Community Resource and Recreation Center (CRRC) of Canyon Lake offers a cooling center from 9 am to 4 pm, with snacks and water for visitors. The CRRC recreation center is located at 125 Marble Jones Drive, and its resource center is at 1941 FM 2673 in Canyon Lake.

Hill Country MHDD, while not an official cooling center, invites the public to use their air-conditioned lobby from 8 am to 5 pm, as needed. Hill Country MHDD can be found at 358 Landa Street in New Braunfels.

For further information and assistance in locating a nearby cooling center, contact 2-1-1 Texas. 

Heat-related illness identifiers

 

Note: Information collected from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, use only as a guide.

Early signs of heatstroke include a high body temperature, excessive sweating, and flushed skin. Symptoms of heat stroke may also encompass an altered mental state, nausea, or headaches, and could result in losing consciousness.

Heat exhaustion may present a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness, weakness, profuse sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. Additional identifying symptoms can include cool or moist skin, headaches, and nausea or vomiting.

Heat Cramps are often characterized by muscle spasms or pain, typically occurring in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Heat Rash, on the other hand, can be identified by clusters of red bumps on the skin that cause itchiness.

Who is most at risk?

 

Extreme heat can pose a risk and lead to heat-related illnesses for everyone. Those particularly vulnerable, however, include our neighbors experiencing homelessness and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

According to the 2024 HUD Point in Time report, approximately 161 of our neighbors are experiencing homelessness in Comal County. These individuals face significant risks due to continuous exposure to heat, whether living in vehicles, on the streets, or in an outdoor encampment. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, visit the nonprofit resource directory page for local resources.

 Our neighbors with mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety are also at high risk, as extreme heat may worsen symptoms. The American Psychiatric Association notes that certain medications for mental health, including some antipsychotics and antidepressants, can increase risk by affecting how the body regulates temperature. If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental illness that may be heightened due to extreme heat, visit MAP Comal for local resources.

As temperatures climb, many organizations are in need of supplies such as cooling towels and bottled water. Please refer to the resource directory page for a list of nonprofit organizations that may need supplies.

Note: This is the first of three articles aimed at raising awareness around the impact, importance, and struggles of nonprofits in the lead-up to the Big Give 2024.

Nonprofit organizations are complex and influential entities. While commonly perceived as groups of people rallying around a cause for community benefit, they are much more than that. In reality, nonprofits can contribute substantially to the local economy, sometimes surpassing the economic influence of for-profit businesses.

Nonprofit vs. for-profit

 

One of the most common distinctions between nonprofit and for-profit organizations lies in financial operations. Nonprofits, created to serve the public good, reinvest their income to advance their cause, while for-profit businesses aim to maximize profits for their owners and shareholders. While both types of organizations aim to generate revenue, nonprofits prioritize social impact over financial gain.

Nonprofit organizations must be rooted in charity and are legal entities that benefit from tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). This status allows them to prioritize their mission and allocate all resources toward it. However, this also subjects them to complex laws and regulations at both state and federal levels, which for-profit organizations do not fall subject to.

These points highlight some of the distinctions and similarities between nonprofit and for-profit organizations. However, the most important misconception surrounding the two rests in their economic impact. Contrary to common belief, nonprofits not only contribute to community improvement through impacting individuals but they also have a significant, sometimes greater, economic impact compared to for-profit entities.

Economic impact

 

Nonprofit organizations not only impact society with their mission-driven initiatives and services but they also significantly influence the economy. Employment, for example, is one such area of impact.

Nationally, nonprofits employ around 12.3 million individuals, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. In our local community, the sector provides jobs for over 700 residents, compared to just over 100 in the transportation and travel industry. Additionally, the hospitality industry, often touted as a driving force in our community, directly employs slightly over 1,000 locals in lodging, only a few hundred more than the nonprofit sector. This highlights the role nonprofits play in creating community employment opportunities.

Worker earnings also reflect this economic importance. A 2022 report showed that the local nonprofit sector’s total annual payroll was $41 million, surpassing the transportation and travel industry’s $2.5 million and nearing the entertainment industry’s $45.2 million direct earnings, per a recent city economic report.

Moreover, nonprofits stimulate economic activity. For instance, a visit to the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels might lead to dining out, purchasing a new outfit, or paying for parking. This underscores the nonprofit theatre’s broad economic impact which fosters jobs, increases tax revenue, and supports local businesses.

A 2022 McKenna survey also revealed that the local nonprofit sector generated approximately $82 million in revenue from various sources, such as state and federal agencies, along with several other entities outside the community. Of this revenue, $68 million was reinvested into the economy by supporting local goods and services, including new construction, purchasing hospital beds, or buying everyday items like office supplies.

The larger picture

 

Often misconceived as entirely separate from for-profit businesses, nonprofits share more similarities with them than some may recognize. This common misunderstanding leads to the underappreciation of just how much nonprofits contribute to the local economy.

Functioning far beyond generating profit, nonprofit entities are a powerful force. They signify a dedication to a better society and embody the potential of an organization driven by mission, which, in turn, enhances our community both socially and economically.

Read the full story here.

EdenHill Communities and Project MEND organized a successful donation event for gently used medical equipment and collected various items such as walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches. The equipment will be refurbished and distributed to individuals in need. 

 

Medical equipment for Comal County residents can be requested here or call 210- 223-6363.

 

Read the full article here.  

The new sauna at the 7Ten Activity Center is a relaxing feature that is available to seniors, veterans and disabled adults who are members of the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation.

The sauna, located in the locker rooms for men and women, can help individuals enjoy the benefits of heat therapy, such as better blood circulation, less stress and more detoxification.

The Center’s executive director, Ken Lowery, said clients have given him a lot of positive feedback on the new amenity.

“Our clients are saying there won’t be long before there’s a waiting list to use the steam room,” Lowery said. We’ve completely renovated the steam rooms. We tore out the old and brought in new tile, flooring, drains and steaming equipment. It’s all in concrete now, so it will not deteriorate.”

The sauna is one of the many attractions at the 7Ten Activity Center, which used to be the YMCA building. The Foundation bought and renovated the 20,000-square-foot building a year ago and moved from its old location across the street. The Center’s executive director, Ken Lowery, says the aim is to make the building a modern and versatile facility for senior residents.

The Center offers a variety of activities for seniors, veterans, and disabled adults who want to stay active and engaged. The building contains administrative offices, a central area with three to four separate rooms, outdoor pools, locker rooms, and exercise spaces.

The central area has tile flooring and movable walls, allowing different configurations and uses. Groups can use the rooms for meetings, family gatherings and special events, generating income for the Center, which supports vital programs such as Meals on Wheels and wellness initiatives.

The Center offers a variety of programs, services, and activities for its members. A large room for arts and crafts is at the back of the building. Daily activities include card games, bingo, bean bag tournaments, dominoes, and craft classes. The Center also organizes bus trips and tours to different places, allowing seniors to explore and have fun.

The Center has an exercise area that overlooks the outdoor pool. It includes traditional equipment like treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. It also has Echelon Reflect home gym mirrors, which provide virtual personalized training sessions for senior clients.

The Center is committed to the Meals on Wheels program, which serves about 14,000 meals each month to senior residents in Comal, Guadalupe, Wilson, and Karnes counties. The meals are free for the clients. The Center also offers a pet program covering home-bound clients’ veterinary care and food.

The Center was established in 1985 and supports seniors and disabled individuals aged 18 and older. The Center has expanded its services over the years and now offers a range of programs for its members.

The Center is proud to partner with the McKenna Foundation, which recently granted the Center $50,000 to support its senior nutrition program in Comal County. The program addresses food insecurity, hunger, and social isolation among senior residents. It includes initiatives such as Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs offered at the Center.

For more information about the Center and its memberships, call 830-629-4547.