Nonprofits play a crucial role in the success of our communities, providing vital services such as medical care, food, housing, and more for those in need. Beyond direct assistance, nonprofits bring communities together and contribute to economic growth. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, nonprofit organizations in the U.S. spend about $2 trillion a year and employ over 10% of the U.S.’s private workforce. In Franklin County alone, nonprofits provide more than 75,000 jobs, according to The Columbus Foundation.
Organizations like Community Housing Network rely heavily on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to sustain their vital work. Donations from individuals account for 67% of the total donations to nonprofits, according to Benefactor Group, but individual giving has decreased over the past 15 years, making it more important than ever for individuals to donate. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to support nonprofits.
Most nonprofit organizations accept online donations, and many offer an option to sign up for recurring monthly contributions. Monthly donors play an increasingly significant role by providing support throughout the year, and many donors find monthly installments to be a more convenient way to incorporate giving into their budgets. Donations via check or stock transfer are additional ways to provide financial support.
Many companies offer employee giving programs, and some employers will even match employee donations, amplifying the impact. If you are unsure whether your employer has a giving program, check with your human resources department.
In-kind donations, which include goods and services, are also greatly appreciated. Donating professional services or supplies an organization would otherwise need can significantly reduce expenses. Purchasing items from a wish list or working with the organization to host a supply drive can also help reduce operating expenses. Learn how you can contribute to CHN on our Ways to Give page!
We are deeply grateful to CHN donors, who help create comfortable, safe homes with access to supportive services, including mental health counseling, crisis prevention, life skills workshops, employment training, and more.
Steve Ginnan, CHN Board of Trustees Treasurer and Donor, said, “Working in downtown Columbus I often encounter individuals experiencing homelessness and have always wanted to help. When I discovered CHN, met with the team, and heard about the mission, I thought this was a great opportunity to contribute.”
Thanks to generous donations through a matching gift campaign, we were able to expand our supportive services model and employ additional service coordinators for residents in CHN independent housing. Before this expansion, the staff-to-resident ratio for these properties was 1:208. With community support, that ratio is now 1:50, allowing residents greater access and more personalized services. To learn more about the impact of the matching gift campaign, read the Supportive Services Impact Report.
Join CHN in making a meaningful impact! Visit our Give Today page to donate. Your support fuels our mission to provide stable housing and supportive services for our residents.