By: Randy Rutta, Chief Executive Officer 

The nonprofit sector makes a significant, historic, and unique contribution to American society and the life experience of all Americans. Nonprofit organizations form the foundation of communities nationwide. They are part of the fabric of American culture and family values through volunteerism, philanthropy, and critical access to basic services. 

The nonprofit sector is special, deserving of recognition, protection, and support.  And I agree with author Joan Garry, who says, “The nonprofit sector should get way more credit for being a bedrock of our society—for being the compass leading us all in the direction of a truly civil society. It deserves that.”

The mission and work of the NHC and its not-for-profit member organizations focus on advancing the health and well-being of all Americans as part of a larger independent sector. Collectively, we are a nation, and a community, that rallies around others in their time of need, that lends a helping hand to neighbors and strangers alike when adversity strikes.

Of course, the government plays an important role with its social safety net. So does the private sector. But when “people helping people” is what is needed to help an individual or collective group of people overcome the adversities and disadvantages that affect their lives, the nonprofit sector is a powerful force for good.

In the United States, Americans and corporations donate more than $600 billion to charitable, nonprofit organizations each year. Separately, state and federal governments also partner with nonprofits, providing billions more dollars that allow nonprofits to do what they do best.

That is why when our mission and value are called into question—and our funding is indiscriminately threatened—the organizations that help make the world a better place by lifting up the people are ill, who have fallen on hard times, or who need others to advocate on their behalf must come together and voice our value to society. 

In this ever-changing environment, there is good news. Americans still place a great deal of confidence in the nonprofit sector to get things done and to help others, according to a recent public opinion poll. 

The survey, conducted by Target Point Consulting for the Independent Sector, shows Americans, by a wide margin, want the government to support nonprofits.

According to the poll, 81% of voters agree that charities and nonprofits address vital needs that government either cannot or should not handle. They also believe nonprofit engagement in policy work reduces government interference and makes organizations more effective in meeting community needs.

Finally, the polling analysis makes it clear, “Overwhelmingly, majorities in both political parties want to see nonprofits paid in full and on time for their service to government.”

That is good news and compelling information, and the NHC is sharing it with policymakers to ensure we—and our members and partners—are able to continue to provide the support and services our respective patient communities need.  A few examples of the positive impact of NHC members include:

• • Mental Health America (MHA) provides online mental health screening for 5 million people per year—and 18 million total individuals since it started its online screening program.  Results help ensure those with mental health issues get the counseling and care they need.

• •  The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s IBD Ventures program has led to the development of new medications and devices, currently in clinical trials, that could vastly improve the quality of life of millions of Americans who are diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. 

• • The American Diabetes Association Pathway to Stop Diabetes program, which pairs talented early-career scientists with mentorship from world-renowned diabetes scientists to drive research innovation free from traditional project constraints, dedicated $6.1 million in new grant funding to support breakthroughs in translation and clinical science, technology, care, and potential cures in the field of diabetes.

These are just a few examples of the way the NHC and its members are supporting the patient community with information, tools, and research on the pathway to life-saving diagnosis, treatments, and cures for the chronic conditions affecting more than 160 million Americans.  

Rest assured the NHC and its members are on the front lines, advocating for our patient communities, seeking innovative, life-changing and life-saving health care solutions. We will continue to serve as fierce advocates for continued partnerships with the public sector and a restoration of government grants that allow our nonprofit organizations to fulfill our critically important mission of “people helping people” when it comes to chronic diseases.