Sustaining Nonprofits Through Charitable Giving
In our small town—and in others just like it across rural America—neighbors may live steps, fields, or even miles apart. But no matter the distance, the need for connection and community ties us together. When hardship knocks and hope feels far away, it’s often local nonprofits that quietly show up, answering the call no one else hears. Whether they’re delivering food to a family, offering emergency relief, or simply checking in on an isolated elder, these unsung heroes are there. They bring comfort, restore dignity, and remind us we’re not alone. In quiet crises and everyday struggles, they are the lifeline that holds our communities together.
But now, many of these nonprofits are facing one of the biggest challenges in their history. As federal funding becomes less predictable and in some cases disappears altogether, rural nonprofits are being asked to do more with fewer resources. And while the needs in our community haven’t gone away - in many cases, they’ve grown - the support to meet them is shrinking.
This moment calls for all of us to act. Charitable giving has always been a vital thread in the fabric of rural life. Today, it’s not just important, it’s essential.
At the Garnett Community Foundation, we’re committed to helping our nonprofit community bridge the growing gap left by reduced federal support, and we want to empower donors to join us in responding with both compassion and strategy. Here are three meaningful ways you can make an immediate and lasting difference in our rural community:
1. Make an unrestricted gift to the Garnett Community Foundation
Unrestricted gifts provide the most flexibility for responding to the most pressing needs in real time. These gifts direct resources where they can do the most good - helping local nonprofits stay strong, adapt to change, and continue serving the community effectively.
2. Activate or create your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
If you have a donor-advised fund, now is a powerful time to use it. Your support can help local nonprofits fill critical funding gaps and continue providing essential services. If you’re new to this giving tool, the Garnett Community Foundation can help you establish a donor-advised fund that aligns with your values and goals. It’s a flexible, strategic way to make an impact now and in the future.
3. Leave a Legacy Gift
Building our community’s long-term resilience starts now. Including the Garnett Community Foundation in your will, estate plans, or through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA ensures that your values and your impact endure. Legacy gifts like these help create a stable, permanent source of funding to meet tomorrow’s needs—no matter what happens in Washington.
The future of rural nonprofits and their ability to serve our community depends on the action we take today. These organizations are the backbone of essential services, and they can’t continue their work without strong local support. By investing in local nonprofits, we not only reduce their reliance on uncertain federal or outside funding, but we also empower them to grow and sustain themselves independently. Together, we can ensure that no nonprofit is forced to turn someone in need away simply because help was just out of reach. Let’s meet this moment with generosity and show what community truly means.