As a part of the mission of Strictly Business Magazine, we are always urging our readers to be conscious of who they do business with and where they purchase their goods and services. We feel that it is incredibly important to support businesses that support the local community—and nonprofit organizations!
Nonprofit organizations support the spectrum of needs in our community, and effectively use their surplus revenues to achieve the specific goals of the organization rather than distributing them as profit or dividends. This means that nonprofits rely solely on donors and contributions to fund the work they do for the community—and also why it is so important for businesses to support the causes that they feel strongly about. As a business who supports nonprofit organizations, you are visibly making a statement that you are not only an active member of the community but specifically that you are committed to partnering with local organizations to make a positive impact in the community that you do business with. Word of mouth is a powerful tool for businesses, and goodwill gestures like supporting nonprofit organizations convey that you are concerned with more than just your company’s interests.
It is a great feeling to contribute to a cause that truly helps others, and to mobilize and encourage others to do so as well. Getting your employees involved with a nonprofit organization is mutually beneficial, and employs the same concept as community perception. In leading by example, you are showing your employees that you care and that they should too.
Giving back to the community should be an enjoyable and exciting opportunity to be a part of something that benefits everyone involved. Choosing a cause that is particularly meaningful on a personal level will likely provide you with a greater sense of worth and pride in your investment. It is not feasible to contribute to every charity, and you will likely be pulled in many directions when it comes to choosing which ones you want to support. Be careful—all nonprofits are not created equal! Do your research before you finalize your decision on which organizations you will promote and invest your time and resources in, with a focus on how they spend their money and utilize their resources. A great nonprofit will be led by talented professionals who are well worth a reasonable salary for the work they do, but it is important that there is a good balance between administrative payroll and the funds that are contributed directly to the cause. While awareness is incredibly important, actions often do speak louder than words. The work that each nonprofit does, and in turn your contribution to their cause, should impact the community in a real and meaningful way. We have compiled a list of excellent non-profits, all of which need and welcome your support, and encourage you to get involved with these organizations!
WasteCap Nebraska is a statewide, member-based, nonprofit organization headquartered in Lincoln, Neb. Since 1992 it has helped Nebraska businesses and communities reduce solid waste and save money through materials management and recycling. Our online Recycling Guide lists recycling providers in all 93 counties of Nebraska.
Find the guide at http://www.wastecapne.org/recycling/.
Nebraskans throw away 1.2 tons of materials per person each year, but of that, 68% could easily be reused or recycled at an estimated value of $137million annually. WasteCap Nebraska helps Nebraskans “GET UNWASTED” to preserve our cherished “good life” in Nebraska because “There’s no such thing as waste, only WASTERS.”
WasteCap Nebraska needs volunteers to contact business entities in their community that would be interested in implementing a waste reduction and recycling program.
The mission of Kids Can Community Center is to empower children and parents to reach their potential and enable older adults to maintain their independence. Located at 49th and Q Streets, Kids Can is not your everyday childcare center. We offer our STEMSMART program that incorporates (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Spirit, Music, Arts, Reading and Tutoring) in daily programming to keep kids sharp throughout the year. Our programs are for children 18-months to 13-years-old including preschool, childcare, before and after school services, tutoring, mentoring, and out-of-school care all designed to make sure children are ready for school and successful in school. We also have a fantastic full-day summer programs with many fun activities, field trips, and swimming! Kids Can is state-licensed, Title XX accepted, and in great need of vans for program transportation and outdoor playground equipment.
Contact (402) 731-6988 for more information.
At Open Door Mission, we often say that hope begins with a meal. The first time someone comes through our doors, they are often driven by an urgent physical need for food and shelter. But thankfully, what happens once they arrive can have a lasting impact. At Open Door Mission they find real, lasting hope!
Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 816 safe, shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,000 hot, nutritious meals and provides preventive measures to more than 275 people living in poverty. Will you help hungry men, women and children find a Summer of Hope?
Visit www.opendoormission.org to see how you can make a difference in our community.
Help Beat the Heat this summer by donating bottled water and fans to Open Door Mission!
Santa Monica is a long term, residential halfway house for chemically dependent women. Established in 1972, Santa Monica has partnered with thousands of women–empowering them on their journey to recovery. The older Victorian home accommodates 18 women in a safe, inviting atmosphere. The program relies upon the disciplines of the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous®, while incorporating mental health and trauma treatment along with life skills. Goods and services provided by Santa Monica include food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and re-socialization training. The women of Santa Monica would benefit from donations of feminine and personal hygiene products, cleaning products, paper products (toilet paper etc.), bus tickets and clothing. Monetary donations are always welcome as well.
Help us celebrate our 40th year of service to the community by donating today! For more information, please visit www.santamonicahouse.org.
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is a non-profit working to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20%, while reducing deaths from CVD and stroke by 20% by 2020. Heart disease is our No. 1 killer. Each day, Americans suffer more than 2,500 heart attacks, killing 1 person every 39 seconds. Stroke is our No. 4 killer and the leading cause of disability. Through awareness and fundraising at events like Go Red For Women, Heart Walk and Heart Ball, we are determined to change those statistics.
Find out how you can help at www.heart.org/omaha
Leadership for Life (LFL) is a unique leadership development opportunity where professionals can learn, practice, and integrate faith-based leadership skills into their personal and professional life. This program is designed to maximize personal growth and effectiveness so that participants can positively impact their workplace, home and community.
Our mission is rooted in the Christian tradition and is focused on equipping individuals with the confidence and skills needed to become leaders of integrity and influence. For more information, visit www.lflomaha.org.
Needs: Meeting locations, executive speakers, administrative and technology volunteers, scholarship sponsors
Contact: Pam Fischer Korth, Director, Leadership for Life
pkorth@lflomaha.org • (402) 981-6302
Reaching A Businessman Right Where He Is: To Help Him Become The Man GOD Designed Him To Be.
Christian Business Men’s Connection offers opportunities to participate in: 1. The Leadership Prayer Breakfast – a unique opportunity for our community to pray for our city, state and nation and to hear a challenging message. 2. The CBMC Annual Golf Tournament – to enjoy fellowship on one of our finest golf courses and to hear the life changing story of a professional golfer. 3. Operation Timothy – one-on-one discipleship to help businessmen grow spiritually. 4. Small Group Bible Studies – meet throughout the city to help men succeed in life.
CBMC is always looking for men to lead Bible studies and volunteers for their events held throughout the year.
For more information visit heartland.cbmc.com, contact John Reimer jreimer@cbmc.com or call 402-493-4495 ext. 1103.
Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha believes that all families, regardless of income, should be able to choose the best educational setting for their children. CSF provides tuition assistance scholarships so children from families living in poverty can access the private or parochial K-8 education of their choice. CSF is destination neutral and has no religious affiliation. Each CSF family must contribute $500 toward their child’s education and their child must achieve a 90% attendance rate. Since 1999, more than 24,000 scholarships have been awarded. CSF scholars achieve an astonishing high school graduation rate of 99.63%.
CSF Omaha is seeking monetary donations to provide K-8 scholarship assistance to families living in poverty in our community.
Contact Information: Kylie Fisher, Associate Director of Marketing and Development
Kylie.fisher@csfomaha.org • 402-819-4990 • www.csfomaha.org
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska www.LFSneb.org
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is one of the largest and oldest human care organizations in the state.
LFS provides service to thousands of people within three core competencies: Children Services, Community Services, and Behavioral Health. Each program within these areas helps build and strengthen families – and accomplish the LFS mission of “safety, hope, and well-being for all people.” On any given day, LFS has open case files on over 2,000 children alone – including foster care, sexual abuse therapy and trauma treatment. Community Service provides outreach and support to international populations. Only one in ten clients is Lutheran.
Needs: Refugee sponsors and financial support. At least 85% of every donor dollar goes to support programs and services.
Contact: Bev Carlson 402.978.5646
Did you know…
Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and invest in the power of their communities through a variety of charitable gifting vehicles.
In the last two years, more than $900,000 has been distributed into the community through MCF grants, discretionary gifts, and the nearly 50 charitable funds that have been established at MCF.
We can provide you with a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving. The time is now to create a charitable fund to benefit your personal interests.
• Affiliated Funds • Designated Funds
• Donor Advised Funds • Field of Interest Funds
• Memorial Funds
To learn more, visit www.midlandscommunity.org or call (402) 991-8027.
In 1996, the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging and community partners came together to identify ways to better serve older adults and their families with “non-traditional” needs, and then to seek funding for developing programs and services to meet those needs. The Partnerships in Aging (PIA) was formed soon after. The PIA works with nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, businesses, and volunteers to find innovative ways to meet the needs of local older adults, their caregivers, and their families. Currently, the PIA has a focus on caregiver and family well-being, and manages the Respite Resource Center and the PIA Network.
The Partnerships in Aging is in need of volunteers to help promote and line-up workshops for caregivers focusing on caregiver health and wellness, as well as update our website and Facebook page.
For more information, please call 402.996.8444 or e-mail echentland@gmail.com.
Ted E. Bear Hollow, an Omaha non-profit, began in 2001 and offers a variety of free grief support services for children, teens, and adults, including support groups, day camps, and retreats. A variety of training opportunities are also available for the community. Ted E. Bear Hollow depends on donations for the majority of its funding and on volunteers to facilitate groups, camps and retreats. Offices and programs are located in midtown Omaha and offer a welcoming, safe space where children, teens and their families can find hope and healing.
For more information about Ted E. Bear Hollow, go to tedebearhollow.org or call directly at (402) 502-2773.
The Omaha Street School works with the Omaha metropolitan area to meet the challenge of at-risk youth by providing a school that offers a personalized education, a moral code, and tools for self-sufficiency. This fully accredited high school strives to reach the needs of the whole student; academic, vocational, physical, spiritual and personal. The FutureFocus program was developed to offer assistance to post high school teens and adults interested in earning a GED, identifying and accomplishing future life goals, and receiving vocational/employment training. The Omaha Street School would not exist without the help of volunteers.
There are many ways to help, so get involved! For more information regarding the school, contact Tami Saunders at (402) 451-5234 Ext. 162.
The Sunshine Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. They are committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. Prudential Ambassador Real Estate is a proud supporter of the Sunshine Kids and
Sherri Hinkel, Realtor with Prudential Ambassador, has partnered with Savvi, the nation’s largest discount network, to raise money for Sunshine Kids. A generous portion of the sales made from this website will be used to benefit us while you gain access to the nation’s largest discount network. So please take a moment to review this website and support our cause!
Website: https://fundraisers.savvi.com/sunshinekidsne
Needs: Sign up for just $9.95 per month and save smart with your computer or smartphone. 30% of the monthly membership fee goes to support Sunshine Kids
Contact: Sherri Hinkel (402) 850-4514
Since its beginning in 2000, ONI, a 501(c)3 organization, has positively impacted the lives of the blind and visually impaired through employment at our tissue converting facility. The opportunities they are given here allow them to live meaningful, productive, and independent lives. We are the largest employer of the blind and visually impaired in Nebraska. ONI Has developed additional services for our blind and visually impaired associates, such as our Education and Training Program. This provides them with technology training that allows them to excel in their professional and personal lives.
To learn more, visit www.outlooknebraska.org.
The Nebraska Safety Council is now offering worksite wellness programs in addition to its comprehensive menu of safety programs and services. WorkWell, a worksite wellness organization providing services in Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska since 1986, merged with the Council this past January. Organizations can now receive assistance on their safety and wellness programs from one trusted source. We want you and your family to work..drive..live safe!
Visit our websites – nesafetycouncil.org and workwellwellness.org for more information.
Contact: Nebraska Safety Council – (402) 483-2511
As Omaha’s first community garden, started in 1995, City Sprouts maintains community and family gardens in our half-acre plot at 40th and Franklin Streets in the Orchard Hill Neighborhood of North Omaha. We also have a half-acre urban farm site just 1.5 blocks away on Decatur Street that was started in 2009.
We work with Omaha area residents and volunteers to grow vegetables, flowers, and herbs using environmentally responsible and sustainable gardening techniques.
Our mission is to sustain communities through gardening. Our goals include increasing the amount of fresh produce available, offering employment to students, providing education about healthy life styles and building neighborhood unity.
Volunteers are always needed to plant, weed, water and harvest.
For more information, please contact Roxanne Williams at (402) 216-9619 or director@omahasprouts.org, or visit www.omahasprouts.org.
The Apartment Association of Greater Omaha & Lincoln, Inc. (AAGOL) is a nonprofit trade organization, charted under the National Apartment Association (NAA), which was founded by a group of property managers and owners in July of 2002. Our mission is to serve the interests of multi-family owners, managers, developers and suppliers within and around Greater Omaha and Lincoln areas and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multi-family industry to better serve the rental housing needs of the public.
AAGOL is seeking both Apartment and Vendor members and volunteers.
Contact: Rhonda Pederson at (402) 333-5331 or email directoraagol@live.com
As the oldest agency of its kind in the region with a rich history of service and approaching 140 years of proven success, Heartland Family Service is a respected leader in the human services field—identifying societal trends, anticipating client needs and creating solutions to the most urgent challenges facing individuals and families in need. Most of our clients have annual income of $20,000 or less. Our free and sliding fee scale services allow us to help with addictions, child abuse, domestic violence, early childhood development, juvenile delinquency, mental health, neighborhood enrichment and poverty and homelessness, through 40+ programs at 17 locations in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
Needs: See our Wish Lists at http://heartlandfamilyservice.org
Contact: Devon Adams at (402) 552-7418
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
Today’s Girl Scouts
Imagine a new generation of leaders; who lead out of principle rather than pride; who step across barriers of class and race; who seek out the work that needs doing in the world; and bring boundless energy to every challenge.
We are the largest girl-serving organization in the state with more than 25,000 girl and adult members. Activities are adult-supervised and girl-led so that each girl’s leadership potential will bloom in a safe, structured environment.
In Girl Scouting, girls discover their values; connect with and inspire others; and take action to make the world a better place.
Girl Scouts is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to help us build girls of courage, confidence and character.
To make a donation, join or volunteer, visit www.GirlScoutsNebraska.org.