National Nonprofit Day, celebrated annually on August 17th, is a day where we recognize the amazing work that nonprofits do for our communities, including here in Miami County, KS.
The roots of National Nonprofit Day trace back to the Tariff Act of 1894, which introduced the first federal income tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations. Today, we see nonprofits continue to help people in countless ways—volunteers reading to children, lawyers offering free legal services, and even nonprofits providing dignified funeral services.
And on top of that, they also contribute to the economy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 501(c)(3) nonprofits made up 10.2% of private-sector employment in 2017. That’s around 12.5 million jobs! In addition, nonprofits typically have more employees per location compared to for-profit businesses, highlighting just how much they’re doing across different sectors.
Even during tough times, such as the Great Recession, nonprofit employment continued to experience growth. For communities like Miami County, KS, National Nonprofit Day is a chance to shine a spotlight on these organizations and remind us all that every contribution, whether big or small, helps build a stronger and brighter future.
The Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Society
1. Bridging Gaps in Essential Services
Nonprofit organizations step in where other institutions fall short, addressing gaps in healthcare, education, social services, and more.
They provide important resources to vulnerable populations, such as access to free legal aid, housing support, mental health services, and educational programs.
A local example of nonprofits filling gaps in services is the Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF), which supports educational opportunities through scholarships.
The D.O. Smith Scholarship is awarded to Miami County students pursuing nursing, which aims to provide better access to healthcare education. Want to be inspired? Just take a look at Regan’s story.
Another initiative, the OHS/PHS Leadership Scholarship, involves students from Paola and Osawatomie High Schools. Two students from each school join the Board of Trustees for a year and participate in selecting scholarship recipients, which helps foster leadership and strengthens community engagement in the process.
2. Driving Economic Growth
Nonprofits are a driving force in the economy, contributing 5.6% to the U.S. GDP in 2022. This economic impact is one of the many reasons we celebrate National Nonprofit Day.
In 2022, nonprofits provided employment to around 12.3 million people, making up 6.5% of the nation’s workforce—which is significantly more compared to industries like construction, transportation, and finance.
Their spending also has a ripple effect. Annually, nonprofits spend nearly $1 trillion on goods and services, from medical equipment to office supplies. This expenditure not only sustains their operations but also promotes local businesses.
One example in Miami County, KS, is the support from companies like Mokan Dial, a leading telephone and internet provider. Their donations to the Miami County Community Foundation help fund local initiatives like the D.O. Smith Scholarship.
Mokan Dial’s Director of Finance, Chase Custer, emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community that hosts their operations.
“Miami County is the hub of Mokan Dial,” he says.
3. They build and strengthen communities
Nonprofits act as community hubs, uniting people around shared causes and strengthening social bonds. Whether it’s volunteer-driven food banks, local cleanup events, or arts programs, nonprofits create spaces for collaboration and connection, fostering a true sense of belonging.
A powerful example of this community impact in Miami County is the support from anonymous donors to the Miami County Community Foundation.
Thanks to their contributions, the foundation was able to help a single mother rebuild her life after an apartment fire.
One such donor, Linda French, a 30-year resident, insists that her contributions stay local, directly aiding those in need. Inspired by the foundation’s work, she and her friend Matt Kelly even created the Miami County, Kansas Sheriff’s Fund to support the local sheriff’s department when budgets fall short.
4. They actively advocate for change
Nonprofits are often at the forefront of social change, pushing for policies and initiatives that drive progress. They mobilize communities, influence public policy, and work tirelessly to address critical issues like healthcare access, disability rights, education reform, and environmental protection.
An example of this social advocacy is the work of Shifting Gears for Regan, a program supported by the Miami County Community Foundation. This program was created by BJ Thomas Wilson after losing her daughter to suicide. In light of this tragedy, the initiative advocates for mental health awareness and support within the community.
Shifting Gears focuses on breaking the stigma around mental health through programs like ‘Give Me 20,’ where teenagers are encouraged to identify peers struggling with mental health and help guide them to trusted adults.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. Shifting Gears for Regan recently held the Passport Cruise, combining community engagement with fundraising to support mental health programs. Thanks to partnerships and a donor-advised fund managed by the Miami County Community Foundation, Wilson can focus on advocacy without the administrative burden. With a $5,000 matching donation and community support, the initiative is now expanding its reach to more schools and families.
Given the diverse roles of nonprofits, National Nonprofit Day is our chance to honor and recognize the invaluable impact nonprofits have on American society.
Think it’s time to do some real good for Miami County, KS? Your support today isn’t just another donation—it’s a step toward building the kind of community we all want to be a part of. Let’s make that impact together.
Why Is Having a National Nonprofit Day Important?
To grasp the importance of celebrating National Nonprofit Day, a quick look at the history of nonprofits in America says it all:
- 1775: First U.S. nonprofit, Pennsylvania Abolition Society, is founded.
- 1867: The Peabody Education Fund, the first nonprofit foundation, is established.
- 1894: The Tariff Act introduces the first federal income tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations.
- 1917: Tax deductions for charitable donations are introduced.
- 1969: 501(c)(3) status grants tax exemption to qualified nonprofits.
- 2017: National Nonprofit Day is celebrated for the first time
August 17th is more than just a date on the calendar; rather, it’s a moment to celebrate the immense impact nonprofits have and the passionate individuals who power their mission. How?
- Celebrating accomplishments and raising awareness.
Nonprofits, such as the American Red Cross of Utah, work year-round to support communities. This year, Red Cross volunteers responded to nearly 150 home fires, assisting around 450 individuals with safe housing, food, and medical needs.
There are over 1.8 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S., with 501(c)(3) organizations making up 1.5 million of that total. On this day, nonprofits can highlight their success—such as how local programs can positively impact the community—and use this opportunity to inspire others to join their cause.
- Honoring history and contributions.
National Nonprofit Day also gives us a chance to reflect on the rich history of charitable giving in the U.S., which dates back to the 1700s. Early organizations like the Pennsylvania Abolition Society and the Union Fire Company paved the way for the thriving nonprofit sector we see today. Fast forward to 2017, National Nonprofit Day was established, marking the anniversary of the 1894 Tariff Act, the first to introduce tax exemptions for nonprofits.
Pennsylvania Abolition Society
It’s a reminder of how nonprofits, including some of Miami County’s finest, continue to evolve and make a profound difference for our society. From supporting local education to providing essential services, their inspiring work deserves recognition on August 17th and every day thereafter.
- Expressing gratitude.
National Nonprofit Day serves as a heartfelt reminder to thank the individuals who make the mission possible—whether it’s volunteers, donors, or dedicated staff members.
Organizations can host events like volunteer fairs to connect community members with local causes. The Miami County Community Foundation (MICOCF) uses this day to recognize supporters, such as Mokan Dial’s generous contributions to educational scholarships.
Even a simple thank-you—be it through a handwritten note, a public shout-out, or a small event—can significantly strengthen the bond between nonprofits and their supporters.
- Highlighting success stories and encouraging volunteerism
National Nonprofit Day offers a platform for nonprofit organizations to voice their stories and share the impact they’ve made. By showing their achievements and using the #NationalNonprofitDay hashtag, organizations can reach a wider audience, inspiring others to get involved.
It’s truly an opportunity to engage new volunteers and spread awareness.
How You Can Get Involved in National Nonprofit Day
National Nonprofit Day on August 17th is a shout-out to the incredible work these organizations do. So, how can you get involved?
Donate. Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference in someone’s life. Consider donating to a local organization like MICOCF. Your support helps fund scholarships, community programs, and initiatives that directly impact the residents of Miami County.
Volunteer. Your time and skills can be just as valuable as a financial donation. MICOCF and other nonprofits in Miami County often look for volunteers to assist with events, fundraising efforts, or daily operations. Find a cause that speaks to you and get involved.
Raise awareness. Spread the word about the amazing work nonprofits are doing. Share stories of success on social media or discuss them with friends and family. Raising awareness helps these organizations reach a broader audience, gather more support, and make an even bigger impact.
Get involved locally. Attend community events or workshops hosted by nonprofits in Miami County. It’s a great opportunity to connect with others, learn more about the foundation’s mission, and discover more ways you can contribute. No matter how you choose to participate, remember that every action counts. By supporting nonprofits like MICOCF, you’re not just helping them thrive—you’re actively contributing to positive change in your own community. This National Nonprofit Day, let’s come together to make Miami County a better place for everyone.