State nonprofit advocate has session in area
The Kentucky Nonprofit Network hosted a free regional forum Thursday at Kentucky Educational Development Corporation on Rose Road in Ironville.
Danielle Clore, KNN's CEO, led the session, which featured the latest updates on potential federal executive orders, funding and operational challenges, a recap of Kentucky's legislative session and insight into using the nonprofit voice to protect and advance the work of charitable organizations.
KNN was established 23 years ago. It includes 1,180 members.
According to its website — kynonprofits.org — KNN works 'to strengthen and advance our nonprofit sector through a unified public policy voice, quality education and resources, and a strong network of nonprofit leaders and organizations serving Kentucky communities.'
The session drew a small crowd and lasted about 90 minutes.
Mike Maynard, of Hillcrest-Bruce Mission, said it was fruitful.
'Definitely in this environment of change, having an organization that, one, informs nonprofits, is a beneficial asset, and, two, having someone who can speak on your behalf at the state level, is good. I think their mission is good,' Maynard said.
Clore said Kentucky ranks second among all 50 states in being most dependent on federal funds, which account for roughly 46% of the state's revenue.
Clore expressed concern regarding funding pauses and cuts. She said 66% of Kentucky nonprofits face potential loss of government funding. Government sources account for 33% of annual revenue for Kentucky nonprofits, according to urban.org.
She said it creates a problem for everyone.
'Every Kentuckian benefits from the programs and services provided by charitable nonprofits, and they are also essential to our economy as employers, consumers of goods and services, strong community partners with local businesses, and key to tourism and attracting businesses to Kentucky,' Clore said. 'This report underscores the importance of the need for Kentuckians to voice their support for these organizations because when nonprofits are hurting, Kentuckians are hurting. The helpers need help to continue to make Kentucky communities good places to live, work and raise a family.'
Clore referred to that impact report throughout Thursday's session.
According to the report, 81% of all voters report trusting nonprofits to engage in nonpartisan advocacy and address needs that government cannot or should not provide.
'We want nonprofits to be nonpartisan,' Clore said.
Clore said a popular myth is private philanthropy can fill in gaps and maintain services. She said private foundations contribute around $107 billion annually to U.S. charitable nonprofits. To replace lost government funding, private donors would need to increase their giving by 282% per year, which is not feasible, she said.
Clore said it's important for all to become more educated in nonprofits. The nonprofit sector is the fourth-largest employer in the state — behind only manufacturing, retail trade and accommodation and food services.
KNN says charitable nonprofits accomplish the following: improve lives, are economic engines, attract other employers and industries, bring Americans together to solve problems, build and strengthen democracy and promote civic engagement.
'We're in this together,' Clore said.
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