National Nonprofit Day, recognized in America on August 17, raises awareness of charitable contributions from nonprofit groups across the world. The awareness day followed the 1894 Tariff Act that introduced the first federal tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations.
Our staff, just like our community, is made up of unique individuals who all have their own passions and interests. We all come from different backgrounds, locations, decades, and view points but we are tied together through our love for our community and making it a better place.
While each day we Fight for our community through our work with United Way of Central Minnesota and our partner programs, we each have our own personal passions for other nonprofits. We know the multiple benefits that a volunteer experiences when they are given the chance to make a different and see the positive change their actions can make.
From mental health to employee recruitment and retention, having a workplace volunteer program is one of the best things you can do for your team.
Today, on National Nonprofit Day, we wanted to highlight our staff and all the amazing organizations that we choose to support in our free time.
I’m a fan, supporter and teammate of the YMCA both personally and professionally. Their mission to build healthy mind, body and spirit for all hits on the key areas I’m always trying to improve and focus on for myself, and gives me support in doing so—through yoga classes, swimming, the exercise room, and team sports.
My daughter has enjoyed being in the water every chance she gets—every minute of the weekend possible—since her first swimming lessons at they Y gave her the confidence to float away from my shoulders.
In St. Cloud, the Y is truly an extraordinary community center that is the only place I can think of that has residents of all ages, all ethnicities, all local cities, and more coming together to create a unique sense of place and positive fellowship. The Y is a great resource for people with means to enjoy recreation and for those less fortunate to find affordable access to swimming, basketball, exercise and more. Thank you, YMCA, for all that you give us and all that you do!
Pineview Park BMX track is where my family spends a lot of time volunteering and assisting with ensuring a safe and fun place for people of all ages. My son found this track about 3 years ago and he has a huge passion for riding BMX, so as parents we love to have a place for him to go and get some fresh air, exercise and meet new people. It’s a great place to go to get away from the electronics as well, and we are all about the outdoors.
We spend many weekends and nights working prepping the track (putting glue down, ensuring it’s smooth and the grounds are kept up) along with working various stations during races to support the racers and community.
The track is a non-profit and completely supported by volunteers. It’s the things we do for our kids and we love the community of people we have at the track, like any activities that families get involved in.
I attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota ever since I entered the seventh grade. The staff and members that I met along the way have helped me to become the man that I am today.
My love of dance, theatre, and speech were all fostered at the club, by staff who saw potential in me. Not only did they offer me and many other kids a place to attend after school, but they also offered me my first job.
They continue to provide for the community even during a pandemic. Commendable would be an understatement when describing their work.
I support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because I believe when a parent is faced with their child having a traumatic, potentially life threatening issue they should not have to worry about treatment being denied based upon race, religion or their ability to pay.
I am a proud supporter and volunteer of Girl Scouts of MN and WI Lakes and Pines! I am one of my daughters troop leaders and it’s been incredible to watch the encouragement and confidence our girls have gained by participating in the variety of programs offered through the council. Girl Scouts really gives every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership and adventure.
Personally, a non-profit that I support is the Sartell-St. Stephen Education Foundation. I have been a support of this organization as an educator within the district and as a mom of two children that attend school there.
To support the mission of providing leading-edge programming and opportunities for the children and families within the district, not only directly impacts the education for my children, but for so many staff and families that are being innovative, supportive and going above and beyond to make a difference for educating the whole child.
I volunteer with Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota, the producing organization of Minnesota Garlic Festival. This annual event supports local food, farmers and other small, local businesses and artists.
Supporting this organization means that I have the opportunity to support our state’s economic resilience and local high quality, nutrient dense foods for a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Farming Association engages a network of famers across the Midwestern region. I love that they focus on soil health rather than chemicals and pesticide use, for example!
I am a huge supporter and volunteer with Tri-County Human Society. Not only do they have an amazing staff who truly cares for animals in Central Minnesota but in 2013 our fur-baby, Kenzie joined our family forever thanks to TCHS.
I have had the privledge of volunteering to provide gift baskets during their gala, dropping off donations of food when they are in short supply, and even spending a few afternoons making phone calls to the families of the newest adopted pets to make sure everyone is well.
TCHS is an organization that has earned my continued support and gratitude for all the hard work they do in our community.