Mercer County NonProfits Forced to Get Creative

In a recent article on nonprofits for Hamilton Space, Rob Anthes addressed the problems nonprofits in New Jersey have had just trying to stay in business during this rough economy.  Many have changed the basic way they operate, including doing with fewer people, fewer resources, and fewer outreach programs.

Anthes states, "Half of New Jersey nonprofits responding to a survey conducted by the Center for Nonprofits had frozen staff salaries, 33 percent had cut staff and 42 percent expected to spend more money than they earned in 2009.

"But while 61 percent of respondents experienced decreased funding between January 2009 and October 2009, demand for service increased for 54 percent of organizations in that time period. Throw in the looming threat of cuts in state funding, and many organizations have started to wonder how much longer they can continue to hold up under the opposing forces of more need for services and less money to provide those services.

"It’s a hefty problem for a sector of New Jersey’s economy that spent $33 billion in 2007."

Mercer County is home to 2,524 nonprofit organizations, according to the Center for Nonprofits. Mercer has the third most nonprofits of any New Jersey county.

An example of changing strategies is Allies NJ, a Hamilton, NJ-based organization that helps people with disabilities find housing, health care and employment. Allies receives much of its funding from the state, not a reliable source as state officials try to solve the budget shortfall.  In response, Allies has partnered with the New Jersey branch of the Friends of the Guard and Reserve, which supports military personnel from the National Guard and the Reserves, in its fundraising efforts.

Anthes reports, "The Center for Nonprofits’ survey showed 39 percent of nonprofits that responded to its October survey had formed similar partnerships in 2009, with 42 percent working on launching new partnerships."

He cautions, "That nonprofits could be approaching their breaking point is a thought some municipal governments — beneficiaries of the work of nonprofits — don’t want to consider. Lawrence NJ Mayor Michael Powers pointed to several projects in his town that wouldn’t have happened without an organization offering the government assistance. Neighborhood groups like the Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association and Lawrenceville Main Street have offered to help with rejuvenation projects.

"'They’re a true community partner,' Powers said. 'We wouldn’t be able to do half of what we do without them. We really appreciate their help. It makes my job as mayor easier. The town tries to meet the nonprofits halfway. We try to help them out when we can.'”

What's the solution?  With 2,524 nonprofit organizations in our Mercer County back yard, we can each see if we can help at least one with time, if not money.  Their work is too important and valuable to find out how we can serve the community without them.

Joe Giancarli, Sales Associate
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