Walter L. Simmons’ Post

Nonprofits are the backbone of thriving communities. Yet, in states like Alabama, Middle Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, there are over 20% fewer nonprofits per capita compared to the national average. This disparity leaves crucial gaps in services for vulnerable groups—children, youth, women, elderly, and low-income families. I recently spoke with a nonprofit leader in rural Mississippi. Despite their limited resources, they’ve been providing educational support to over 200 underserved students, helping 85% of them improve their literacy skills in just one year. However, they’re stretched thin, facing dwindling funds and limited grant access. Sadly, stories like theirs are all too common. The need is clear. While passionate founders and volunteers are on the ground making a difference, many don’t have the tools or funding needed to sustain and grow their impact. That’s where RUOVA Consulting comes in. We’re partnering with grassroots organizations to close the funding gap and amplify their mission through strategic grant fundraising and capacity-building support. Through Project 80, we’re partnering with 80 nonprofits across 12 underserved states to equip them with the tools they need to thrive—whether it’s securing more grants, expanding their reach, or building operational capacity. Because every community deserves a chance to flourish—no matter the zip code. But we cannot do this alone. We need your help. Fundraising professionals, nonprofit leaders and executives. What nonprofit do you know could use more help? Most importantly, what are we doing to help them? Be a bridge today. We all need to become one for the community.

🚨 Final Reminder: DCD Grant Lines Are Closing Soon! 🚨 Attention all nonprofits! The Division of Community Development (DCD) grant lines are currently open for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and will officially close on November 27, 2024, at 11:59 PM. Here’s what you need to know: ✅ Reimbursement Grant: This funding operates on a reimbursement basis. To qualify, your organization must have the financial capacity to cover expenses upfront. ✅ 501(c)(3) Status: Your nonprofit must have held official 501(c)(3) status for at least three years to be eligible. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for critical funding to support your mission. 📝 Apply now and make sure your submission meets the deadline! Have questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help. #NonprofitFunding #GrantOpportunities #CommunityDevelopment #DCDRFP #FundingDeadline #NonprofitSupport #CDBG #HUD

Featuring a DPP member! For 96 years, Southside Mission has served Peoria, Illinois’ most vulnerable residents with compassion and opportunity. Rich Draeger, the nonprofit’s development manager, shares insights into their enduring impact and future endeavors. 1️⃣ Embracing Change: Southside Mission is evolving to better serve its neighborhood, exploring new opportunities and embracing diversity at all levels of operation. 2️⃣ Community Support: Draeger emphasizes the importance of community support, encouraging donations, volunteering, and prayer to uplift those in need. Financial gifts, volunteerism, and mentorship all contribute to their transformative work. 3️⃣ Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Fundraisers like Draeger see challenges as opportunities for innovation and growth. By adopting an optimistic outlook and seeking innovative solutions, Southside Mission continues to make a profound impact. Key to Success: Listen attentively to donors' passions and interests, and effectively connect them with the mission's work. By prioritizing donor engagement and embracing diversity, nonprofits can foster lasting community impact. Southside Mission's century-long dedication to its community is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience. Their story inspires us to listen, adapt, and continue striving for positive change #CommunityImpact #NonprofitSuccess #EmpoweringVulnerability

We are excited to share that Independent Sector – the national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of #changemakers, #nonprofits, #foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society – just released their 2024 Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report. We at NAO agree with IS that trust is what makes it possible for nonprofits to partner with local communities to do the hard work of #systemicchange. Our trusted voices as advocates for our missions help drive policy change. Our trusted status makes us an essential partner to government and industry. Trust is vital in the recruitment of volunteers and in the nonprofit sector’s work to bridge differences in a divided America. That is why this report is so vital. It helps nonprofit leaders spot trends and better understand what issues they need to plan for, as well as remind us of that valuable currency of trust that we’ve “banked” with the communities we serve. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxFE4fbC

According to a recent Star Tribune article, more Minnesota nonprofits are in financial crisis than at any time since 2020. Small Sums is feeling this impact too, with rising costs and increased demand for our services. We’re committed to outfitting 1,500 workers this year, providing them with the boots, gear, tools, and resources they need to succeed—but we can't do it without YOU. At Small Sums, we believe in a mindset of abundance, not scarcity. We see abundance in our community—an abundance of generosity, partnership, and shared commitment to uplifting those who need it most. Nonprofits like ours are essential to building stronger, more equitable communities, and together we can ensure every worker experiencing homelessness has what they need to start their job and thrive. But to meet this goal, we need your help! 💪 Call to Action: Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or business partnerships, your support can make a huge difference. Join us in making sure every worker has the opportunity to succeed. Contact us today to learn how to get involved. 📧 Email us at contactus@smallsums.org or visit our website to contribute. Let’s create a future filled with opportunity for everyone. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gbaZsekC

Waco friends, Today is Giving Tuesday—a moment to pause after days of deals and shopping to consider the power of giving back. This year has been especially challenging for nonprofits, with data always pointing to election years being the toughest for fundraising. While I realize my personal stance in this, I'm speaking on behalf of nonprofits outside of mine as well. What many don’t realize is that even a small gift can make a huge impact. From providing meals to those facing homelessness, supporting youth leadership programs, and expanding arts and culture, to creating spaces where our community can thrive—every dollar matters. I invite you all to take a few minutes and consider a gift before the end of this year. If you have questions on nonprofits and their missions, feel free to reach out to the local foundations, Waco Foundation and Cooper Foundation are well versed in who is doing what and also offer some amazing ways to give their their community funds (which goes back to the community). They also provide year-round training for us as we often feel so isolated on our islands doing the work we do. Without them, we'd be wandering around like chickens with socks on. Giving today won’t solve every challenge, but even a $5 gift can be the catalyst of creating future impact, as we all work tirelessly to make a difference in the community. Explore local nonprofits, find causes that align with your values, and give in whatever way you can. And while this may not be true for all nonprofits locally, volunteers are just everything, your time contributes so much for us. We all depend on local philanthropy, and your support—big or small—drives meaningful change.

The Generosity Commission recently released a report on the current status of giving and volunteering in America. One of the most striking trends is that volunteer hours and donations are increasing year over year... but with fewer volunteers and donors. Being deep in the nonprofit space, this gave us pause. How can we spark conversations with our currents donors to share the joy they find in being givers of their time/talent/treasure? How can we encourage more participation? What hurdles in people's lives do we need to acknowledge? Our modern world is hurried, rushed, and distracted. Budgets feel strained. Margin in schedules is thin, if nonexistent. God has called us to be generous, just as He's been wildly generous with us! We are even wired (see the recent brain research out there) to be generous. So, how can we remind others that on the other side of giving there is joy to be found? Here's the link to the report. If you have time, give it a read!

I always get asked why there are so many nonprofits or what they do for the community. So when you’re out and about and see the little red bucket with a volunteer behind it just know they are their to help. Nonprofits, as a sector, are vast and diverse, making a significant impact both economically and socially. In the United States alone, the nonprofit sector contributes over $1 trillion to the economy annually and employs around 12 million people, making it one of the largest workforces. Globally, nonprofits also manage trillions of dollars in assets and funding, supporting vital causes that governments and corporations often overlook. Nonprofits vary in size, from small, community-based organizations run by a handful of volunteers to massive international entities like the Red Cross or Oxfam. These organizations often rely on donations, grants, and volunteers to operate, but they also employ millions in professional roles, including management, healthcare, education, and social work. Their reach is not limited to local communities—many nonprofits work across borders, providing disaster relief, combating global health crises, and advancing human rights. Their ability to mobilize resources and people for a cause showcases their essential role in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. Nonprofits amplify the power of collective action, creating a bridge between individuals and larger societal needs.

🚗🤝 Calling All Nonprofits: Partner with Wave Rideshare for Your Transportation Needs! 🤝🚗 At Wave Rideshare, we understand the critical role that nonprofits play in our communities. We are committed to supporting your mission by providing reliable and affordable transportation solutions tailored to your needs. 🌟 Why Partner with Wave Rideshare? Customized Services: We offer transportation options specifically designed for nonprofits, ensuring your clients and staff get where they need to go safely and comfortably. Community Focused: We prioritize local engagement and work closely with community organizations to support their goals. Flexible Solutions: Whether it’s for daily commutes, special events, or ongoing programs, we provide flexible transportation solutions to meet your unique requirements. Join us in making a difference! Partner with Wave Rideshare and let’s work together to enhance the mobility and well-being of our communities. 📞 Contact us today to learn more about our nonprofit partnership program and how we can support your mission. #WaveRideshare #NonprofitPartnership #CommunitySupport #ReliableTransportation #JoinTheWave

The challenge, consistently, with many policies is intent over impact. And that’s exactly the challenge with HR 9495–the “Kill Nonprofits Bill.” Under the guise of “safety,” this legislation gives the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to designate nonprofits as “terrorist supporting organizations” and offers only 90-days for the nonprofit to prove their innocence before revoking their tax-exempt status. Y’all, this is bad legislation. Full stop. If you’re a nonprofit board member, donor, volunteer, or staff member, it’s all hands on deck time. Independent Sector offers this handy toolkit. Use it. Forward it. https://lnkd.in/g2UtqaZQ