Community-led nonprofits and other charities committed to fostering community engagement are the kinds of philanthropy that the world needs. Those living within the community they are trying to save are the only people who fully understand their needs. Such organizations are agile, first responders that are connected to the complicated needs of their world. Andrew Ticknor of Sioux Falls asks, how do nonprofits achieve community development and engagement if they aren’t a community-led organization in the first place?
Charities that keep their ears to the ground when it comes to finding local volunteers tend to make the wisest decisions. According to Urban Institute, of the 25.1% of adults volunteering with organizations, many choose local nonprofits in their area. These people contribute a whopping 8.8 billion volunteer hours every single year.
From building and sustaining cohesive communities to enhancing outcomes to promoting sustainable decisions to deepening local democracies, there are hundreds of reasons why fostering a long-term community through charitable work is necessary. These are the best ways for nonprofits to ensure they achieve their goals:
Being Present at Local Events
Communities across the country host local events all the time. Whether they have festivals or craft fairs, they’re the perfect places to realize the power of community engagement through donations and charity work. All nonprofits need to do is arrange to have a stand, set it up, and raise awareness.
Locals will be more likely to see a charity as beneficial to them and their loved ones once they meet the faces of the organization at their community gatherings.
Conversing Will Forge Relationships
Opportunities for conversations exist almost everywhere. Provided that nonprofit owners or leaders are willing to engage, these conversations may bring up countless ideas to better foster community development through their volunteers.
Stakeholder conversations are equally important. By learning what actually matters to them, leaders can make better decisions and deepen relationships, all while saving time and money.
Targeting Leaders Toiling on the Ground
Insider recommendations are incredibly valuable. Without either living as one of the members of a community or working closely with them, charities aren’t truly aware of how to make positive change.
Nonprofits should start by offering value to the leaders and members of the community. Once they have assured people they are there for good, members will be more likely to respond to outreach, begin healthy working relationships, and develop their neighborhood as a result.
Using Knowledge Straight from the Horse’s Mouth
Every society member has knowledge to share. Leveraging it is essential for fully unlocking long-term community development.
In schools, for example, leveraging the community can mean getting the parents involved with volunteering efforts to better the establishment. Nonprofits are often surprised by the unique skillsets, life experiences, and expertise that community members bring to their attention — they just want somebody to listen to them and develop their society accordingly.
Understanding It’s a Two-Way Street
Community engagement and development necessitates mutually beneficial activities. People must feel fulfilled for their efforts to become and remain engaged. Thus, nonprofits must realize what’s important to them to properly elicit these proud feelings.