By Lauri Lee
Northside Economic Development Coalition

When you think of a “nonprofit” what do you think of? Most likely, you think of a group that is strengthening and making a difference in our community. We all want the same thing — for our communities to be incredible places to live. It’s the specialized work that nonprofits provide which helps build a stronger community.

A nonprofit organization is a business that has been granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) because it furthers a social cause and provides a public benefit. A nonprofit designation and tax-exempt status are given only to organizations that further charitable, educational, literary, religious, scientific, public safety or cruelty-prevention causes/purposes. Currently, there are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations registered in the U.S., 33,965 in Wisconsin, 2,999 in Dane County and 296 nonprofits in the 53704 zip code.  

When nonprofits thrive, the entire community thrives. Community engagement is a necessary ingredient that’s critical to the success of nonprofits. Without the support of the community in which it operates, a nonprofit has little chance for long-term prosperity. Volunteers serve a variety of roles within these organizations.

Volunteering locally has an incredible social impact on local communities. It has been shown to strengthen social connections, build strong, safe and cohesive communities, enhance civic engagement and provide services that are not provided by the government.

There are numerous personal benefits to volunteering with nonprofits. When you match your passions by volunteering for an organization filled with like-minded people who share similar interests, it is a great way to make new friends, connect to a professional network and discover potential job opportunities. Finding ways to make a long-term impact for an individual or group of people makes the experience even more rewarding.

The experience you gain through volunteering could transform your future. An organization’s board of directors are always seeking professional experience and expertise to enhance the organization. It’s a great way to build your resume, acquire new skills and improve existing ones. Volunteering can give you a distinct advantage over other job candidates. Sometimes, volunteering can be transformed into a paid job.

Take a look at the nonprofits in our community to figure out where you can start making a difference. People who volunteer find it is evidence of a life well lived.