Latest news with #nonprofit
New York Times
9 hours ago
- Science
- New York Times
North Carolina's Bogs Have a Dirty Secret, and That's a Good Thing
Depending on how it's treated, this North Carolina soil can be a blessing or a curse. In its natural state, the soggy, spongy soil known as peat stores exceptional amounts of planet-warming carbon. Peatlands cover only about 3 percent of land on Earth, but they sock away twice as much carbon as all the world's forests put together. They also offer protection from wildfires, floods and drought, and support rare species. But decades ago, in peatlands across North Carolina, people dug ditches to drain the waterlogged earth, often to fell old-growth trees or plant new ones for timber. As peat dries, its virtues turn upside down. The soil itself becomes highly flammable. Even without burning, drained peat starts to emit the carbon it once stored, converting a climate solution into a climate problem. The land no longer soaks up floodwaters. And in times of drought, there's little water for the ecosystem to fall back on. Now, nonprofit, state, federal and private sector scientists and engineers have teamed up on what amounts to a series of giant plumbing projects. They are coaxing water to stay on the land to restore moisture to the peat. Tell Us About Solutions Where You Live Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Associated Press
14 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Heart on Main Street Announces Independent Rebuild Initiative to Support Retailers Devastated by Natural Disasters
07/22/2025, Atlanta, Georgia // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Heart on Main Street, a nonprofit organization, is proud to announce the Independent Rebuild Initiative, with the first store rebuild in Asheville, North Carolina, with direct, on-site assistance that was previously struggling to get its bearings after catastrophic natural disasters. This cohesive, hands-on effort is part of the organization's longstanding initiative and mission to support independent retailers devastated by natural disasters and other unfortunate events across the United States. Founded by Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street focuses on revitalizing America's main streets by offering crucial financial grants, donated products, and educational resources to independent businesses, often located in small towns and rural communities hardest hit by natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires. The new initiative brings volunteers together to physically restore damaged retail locations, including patching walls, painting, landscaping, and more, helping these vital businesses reopen quickly and sustainably. 'Our independent retailers are the heart and soul of American communities,' Keiser states. 'We've all seen the heartbreaking destruction left behind by natural disasters. Businesses that have taken decades to build can be wiped out overnight, impacting legacies. Our goal is to be the light at the end of the tunnel, helping them bring their stores back up. Even a small grant or some volunteer time often makes a tremendous difference in restoring these business owners with hope and a better future.' Independent retailers play a vital role in the American economy and community life. According to national statistics, local retailers return 52% of their revenue into the local economy, while national chain retailers contribute only 14%. This stark difference highlights how local businesses sustain vibrant economic ecosystems that benefit the entire community. In doing so, local retailers have been supporting jobs, local artisans, shopping companies, tax preparers, and countless other services. But beyond economies, these businesses also often sponsor community events, youth sports teams, and local festivals, serving as a connective pillar for neighbourhoods and towns nationwide. Despite its pivotal role in the country, independent retailers often lack the support to restore their business, with nearly 43% of them never reopening after natural disasters. Heart on Main Street's dual-approach rebuilding initiative addresses both immediate disaster relief and long-term sustainability. Apart from providing emergency grants and donations to help retailers restock shelves without incurring additional expenses, the organization offers monthly educational webinars focused on business fundamentals such as financial management, inventory control, and effective merchandising. This training is aimed at supporting first-time entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who may have previously worked outside retail but now find themselves running businesses on their own. Since its launch in 2023, Heart on Main Street has connected with a plethora of local retailers with a particular focus on disaster-affected regions in the Southeast and Tornado Alley. The organization operates with a small but dedicated team, supported by an 11-member board. It collaborates with companies, donors, and volunteers who share the same community-driven values and passion toward elevating independent retailers for effective fundraising. Looking ahead, Heart on Main Street envisions expanding the Independent Rebuild Initiative. This is to scale up efforts that could eventually revitalize local retailers, enabling them to become hubs of thriving economic activity and community engagement once again, across the United States. To continue with its objective of expanding the initiative and rebuilding the backbone of the American economy, Heart on Main Street is seeking donors, partners, and benefactors who can contribute to its mission. 'It's deeply rewarding to be able to help these businesses and to actually make a difference in their lives,' Keiser states. 'When a store closes, it affects employees, families, and a much wider community. Our work is focused on preventing that ripple effect and preserving livelihoods, maintaining jobs, and protecting the fabric of these towns across America.' Media Contact Name: Mellissa Hopkins Email: [email protected]
Entrepreneur
15 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
A Program That Helped Build 144,000 Jobs Gets Slashed by Budget Cuts — What Happens Next Is Pivotal for Small Business Support
The agency is facing elimination. But this could be an opportunity. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. SCORE, the nonprofit that has supported small businesses for over six decades, recently faced a major setback: the latest tax and spending bill eliminated about 60% of its federal funding — a core part of its budget. For an organization that offers free mentoring to hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs annually, this looks like a serious blow. But what if this funding cut is not the end of SCORE — but a new beginning? With a vast network of 10,000 volunteer mentors and a proven track record of economic impact — including helping start 58,000 new businesses and creating 144,000 jobs in 2024 alone — SCORE has always been a vital lifeline for small business owners. However, without reliable federal support, SCORE faces a crossroads: continue to rely on uncertain government appropriations or reinvent itself as a self-sustaining business. Related: 3 Solutions That Help Alleviate Everyday Pressures Small Business Owners Face The real impact behind SCORE's numbers According to SCORE, every federal dollar invested generated $45 in economic benefits. This was achieved through four million mentoring hours across 200 chapters, advising over 300,000 entrepreneurs annually. These numbers show that SCORE's work isn't just a feel-good story — it's an economic engine. Yet, despite these impressive results, the realities of federal budget cuts have forced SCORE's leadership to confront a difficult question: How can SCORE continue fulfilling its mission without government backing? Facing tough realities: the bigger budget picture As an advocate and advisor for small businesses in this country, it pains me to see great organizations like this lose their support. SCORE is clearly a valuable agency that has helped countless small businesses in the more than 60 years since its founding in 1964. But I'm also a realist. The reality is that, regardless of what we want, there are limitations to what we can afford. Yes, I'd like free education, free healthcare, clean water, safe highways and strong defense. I also appreciate all the research done by so many government agencies and academic institutions that received federal support. But I, like many business owners, also see a $2 trillion annual deficit and a $36 trillion national debt and don't know how we and our children and grandchildren can sustain that level of liabilities. Some things have to be cut. Some things have to go. And it looks like SCORE, like many other good programs the Federal government funds, is one of those things. Government spending must be prioritized and trimmed where possible. Unfortunately, this means good programs sometimes lose funding — even those with proven results. It's painful for advocates and advisors to see a respected organization like SCORE face these challenges. But the truth is, many federally funded programs will need to find new models to survive. A bold proposal: what if SCORE became a business? SCORE's greatest asset isn't just its volunteers or history — it's its infrastructure, leadership and brand recognition. These assets could enable SCORE to spin off from government support and operate as a private, self-sustaining entity. It already has the foundation — a trusted name in the small business community, a robust volunteer network and experienced leadership. With the right strategy, SCORE could attract investors, lenders or equity partners who see the value in its proven return on investment. And that ROI can be translated into real dollars. Imagine SCORE charging a sliding scale of fees based on a business's ability to pay — allowing startups and small enterprises with limited resources to still receive help, while those who can afford it contribute. Or consider raising funds from corporate sponsors who already invest heavily in small business programs, redirecting those dollars toward SCORE's mission. SCORE could also contract its expertise to consulting firms or financial institutions — creating new revenue streams while expanding its impact. Why change is necessary SCORE's traditional model — volunteer consultants supported by government-paid staff — has its limitations. Volunteers vary in quality and motivation, and government employees don't operate under typical business incentives that reward customer satisfaction and performance. For SCORE to thrive in a post-funding world, it must adopt a model that encourages accountability, quality and sustainability. The opportunity ahead If SCORE were to disappear, would more small businesses fail? Would the economy suffer? Probably not dramatically — other organizations and market forces would fill some gaps. But SCORE has a unique opportunity to redefine itself — not just as a nonprofit supporter of small business but as a business itself, accountable for its outcomes and financially self-sufficient. Like the entrepreneurs it helps, SCORE can pivot, adapt and innovate. Related: How to Secure a Small Business Grant in 5 Easy Steps Final thoughts Brigett Weston, SCORE's CEO, recently said, "Without federal support, this incredibly efficient and effective program is at serious risk of no longer fulfilling its mission." That risk is real. But it's also a chance. SCORE can lead the way in demonstrating how public support programs might evolve to meet today's financial realities — continuing to empower entrepreneurs and build our economy, but on its own terms. This is not just a story about funding cuts; it's about resilience, reinvention and the future of small business support in America. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.
Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
NC4K Chooses NewOrg to Streamline Family Services and Expand Support for Kids Fighting Cancer
NC4K, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer, has partnered with NewOrg to streamline service delivery, improve data management, and expand access to critical family support programs. Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2025) - NewOrg Management System, Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based case management solutions for nonprofits and social agencies, has announced a new partnership with NC4K (Nellie's Champions for Kids), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer. This collaboration aims to improve service delivery, enhance case management, and expand access to vital family support programs for more than 900 families across Ohio. Founded in 2007 with a mission that no kid fights cancer alone, NC4K offers critical financial and emotional assistance to children and teens battling cancer and their families. Over the years, NC4K has grown into a comprehensive support network, providing relief for essential needs such as housing, utilities, groceries, and gas, as well as organizing community events to foster connection and joy. Signature events include the Back-to-School Bash and Reindeer Games Holiday Party, alongside partnerships with other organizations. Mandy Powell, Executive Director of NC4K, stated, 'The challenges a family faces when they hear the devastating words 'your child has cancer' are unimaginable. We believe that NewOrg will enable us to serve our community better by documenting, tracking, and responding to needs efficiently and effectively. As a small team focused on maximizing resources, we appreciated the ease of implementation and the ongoing support we received in creating a system tailored to our unique needs. We are excited to fully launch to our community and confident that this tool will help us enhance our support for families fighting childhood cancer.' As NC4K continued to expand its programs and reach more families, the team recognized the need for a more cost-effective and flexible case management solution. The high cost and underutilization of their previous system made it clear that it was no longer the right fit for their organization. NC4K was looking for a system that could not only help them manage their financial and emotional support services more efficiently but also provide better value and easier access for their team. This led them to explore alternatives and ultimately select NewOrg as their new partner for data management. With NewOrg, NC4K now has a powerful, easy-to-use platform to manage their growing services, including: About NC4K NC4K (Nellie's Champions for Kids) is a nonprofit organization based in Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer through financial relief, emotional support, and community engagement. Learn more at About NewOrg Management System, Inc. Washington, DC 20016Media Contact: Sotiris Koutsoyannis Marketing/Communication Specialist NewOrg Management System, Inc. 866-843-2835 x3 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
The Independent
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
The government was once a steady partner for nonprofits. That's changing
Dawn Price signs rent checks worth about $160,000 every month for 79 people that her nonprofit helps house in Laguna Beach, California. Usually, she logs into an online portal to withdraw enough from an account funded by a grant from the federal housing agency. But in February, she couldn't. Access had been temporarily cut off for many housing organizations as part of the Trump administration's cuts and funding freezes. 'That was just a sea change for us for those dollars to be so immediately at risk,' said Price, the executive director of Friendship Shelter, which started in 1987 as a community organization. Access was eventually restored but the episode took a toll. ' Government moves slowly usually, and I think what was so disorienting early on was government was moving really fast,' she said. In the early days of his second term, President Donald Trump froze, cut or threatened to cut a huge range of social services programs from public safety to early childhood education to food assistance and services for refugee resettlement. Staffing cuts to federal agencies have also contributed to delays and uncertainty around future grant funds. Altogether, his policies are poised to upend decades of partnerships the federal government has built with nonprofits to help people in their communities. This vast and interconnected set of programs funded by taxpayers has been significantly dismantled in just months, nonprofit leaders, researchers and funders say. And even deeper, permanent cuts are still possible. That uncertainty is also taking a toll on their staff and communities, the leaders said. In response to questions about the cuts to grant funding, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said, 'Instead of government largesse that's often riddled with corruption, waste, fraud, and abuse, the Trump administration is focused on unleashing America's economic resurgence to fuel Americans' individual generosity.' He pointed to a new deduction for charitable giving included in the recently passed tax and spending law that he said encourages Americans' 'innate altruism.' But experts say private donations will not be enough to meet the needs. In 2021, $267 billion was granted to nonprofits from all levels of government, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute published in February. While the data includes tax-exempt organizations like local food pantries as well as universities and nonprofit hospitals, it underestimates the total funding that nonprofits receive from the government. It includes grants, but not contracts for services nor reimbursements from programs like Medicare. It also excludes the smallest nonprofits, which file a different, abbreviated tax form. However, the figure does give a sense of the scale of the historic — and, until now, solid — relationship between the public sector and nonprofits over the last 50 years. Now, this system is at risk and leaders like Price say the cost of undoing it will be 'catastrophic.' Government funding to nonprofits reaches far and wide The Urban Institute's analysis shows more than half of nonprofits in every state received government grants in 2021. In the vast majority of the country, the typical nonprofit would run a deficit without government funding. Only in two Congressional districts — one including parts of Orange County, California, and another in the suburbs west of Atlanta — would a typical nonprofit not be in the red if they lost all of their public grant funding, the analysis found. But in Orange County, famous for its stunning beaches, mansions and extraordinary wealth, funders, nonprofits and researchers said that finding surprised them. In part, that's because of major economic inequalities in the county and its high cost of living. Taryn Palumbo, executive director of Orange County Grantmakers, said nonprofits are not as optimistic about their resiliency. 'They are seeing their budgets getting slashed by 50% or 40%,' she said. 'Or they're having to look to restructure programs that they are running or how they're serving or the number of people that they're serving.' Last year, the local Samueli Foundation commissioned a study of nonprofit needs in part because they were significantly increasing their grantmaking from $18.8 million in 2022 to an estimated $125 million in 2025. They found local nonprofits reported problems maintaining staff, a deep lack of investment in their operations and a dearth of flexible reserve funds. The foundation responded by opening applications for both unrestricted grants and to support investments in buildings or land. Against this $10 million in potential awards, they received 1,242 applications for more than $250 million, said Lindsey Spindle, the foundation's president. 'It tells a really stark picture of how unbelievably deep and broad the need is,' Spindle said. 'There is not a single part of the nonprofit sector that has not responded to these funds. Every topic you can think of: poverty, animal welfare, arts and culture, civil rights, domestic abuse... They're telling us loud and clear that they are struggling to stay alive.' Charitable organizations have held a special role in the U.S. One of the founding stories of the United States is the importance of the voluntary sector, of neighbors helping neighbors and of individuals solving social problems. While other liberal democracies built strong welfare states, the U.S. has preferred to look to the charitable sector to provide a substantial part of social services. Since the 1960s, the federal government has largely funded those social services by giving money to nonprofits, universities, hospitals and companies. Several new policies converged at that time to create this system, including the expansion of the federal income tax during World War II and the codification of tax-exempt charitable organizations in 1954. Then, the Kennedy and Johnson administrations started to fund nonprofits directly with federal money as part of urban renewal and Great Society programs. 'It was a key approach of midcentury liberalism of addressing issues of poverty, sort of making a reference to civil rights and racial inequality, but not growing the size of government,' said Claire Dunning, an assistant professor of public policy at the University of Maryland, College Park. Conservatives also tended to support working through local, private, nonprofit organizations, though for different reasons than liberals, she said. With various expansions and cuts during different presidencies, the federal government has continued to fund nonprofits at significant levels, essentially hiding the government in plain sight, Dunning said. The size and importance of the nonprofit apparatus became suddenly visible in January when the Trump administration sought to freeze federal grants and loans. Dunning said the speed, hostility and scale of the proposed cuts broke with the long legacy of bipartisan support for nonprofits. ' People had no idea that the public health information or services they are receiving, their Meals on Wheels program, their afterschool tutoring program, the local park cleanup were actually enabled by public government dollars,' she said. A coalition of nonprofits challenged the freeze in court in a case that is ongoing, but in the six months since, the administration has cut, paused or discontinued a vast array of programs and grants. The impacts of some of those policy changes have been felt immediately, but many will not hit the ground until current grant funding runs out, which could be in months or years depending on the programs. Private donations can't replace scale of government support Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach has an annual budget of about $15 million, $11.5 million of which comes from government sources. Price said the government funding is 'braided' in complex ways to house and support 330 people. They've already lost a rental reimbursement grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But the Samueli Foundation stepped in to backfill those lost funds for three years. That kind of support is extremely unusual, she said. 'We don't know of any large-scale private philanthropy response to keeping people housed because it's a forever commitment,' Price said. 'That person is in housing and is going to need the subsidy for the rest of their lives. These are seriously disabled people with multiple issues that they're facing that they need help with.' She also believes that even in a wealthy place like Orange County, private donors are not prepared to give five, six or eight times as much as they do currently. Donors already subsidize their government grants, which she said pay for 69% of the actual program costs. 'We are providing this service to our government at a loss, at a business loss, and then making up that loss with these Medicaid dollars and also the private fundraising,' she said. She said her organization has discussed having to put people out of housing back on to the streets if the government funding is cut further. 'That would be, I think, a signal to me that something is deeply, deeply wrong with how we're looking at these issues,' said Price, adding, 'If I was placing a bet, I would bet that we have enough good still in government to prevent that.' ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit
