Answer the call for nonprofits

One of our region's premier nonprofits is in a tough spot.

Unfortunately, so are just about all the others.

That happens when there are so many good causes and so little money in a down economy to go around. North Idaho's Court Appointed Special Advocates - CASA - is a dramatic case in point.

CASA works with children victimized by parents in trouble with the law. These children are abused, neglected or both, and sometimes, CASA is the only friend they've got.

The good news for CASA is that the organization is flush with terrific volunteers. The reverse is true, though, on the funding side. At present, CASA has a budget deficit despite cutting positions and expenses across the board.

CASA isn't alone in energetically facing daunting financial prospects with creativity, hard work and appeals for support. But therein lies another problem: So many great organizations are in the same boat, and the beneficent nature of North Idahoans is being tapped again and again - sometimes at the very same time.

Tomorrow evening, for instance, CASA and St. Vincent de Paul have important fundraisers concurrently. In essence, they're competing against each other. While the spirit that drives most nonprofits is essentially kindred, head-to-head competition in this case probably hurts them all.

So what can be done to sustain the vital fabric of nonprofits that binds our community so closely? Realizing need is the first step, so citizens can decide how they might be able to assist the organizations they wish to support. The Press is committed to sharing important information about local nonprofits, just as we did Tuesday with CASA.

Particularly in times of economic downturn, citizens should consider how they can help in their communities before sending contributions elsewhere. If we don't take care of our neighbors in need, who will?

Further, coordination countywide would really help. Through its Volunteer Center, United Way of Kootenai County maintains an online calendar of events, a calendar that easily could include all upcoming fundraisers. By posting their fundraisers well in advance, nonprofits would ensure they don't bump into each other on the same days. They might also better be able to visualize how many times residents are being asked to show up and shell out for a variety of good causes. In our view, fewer but more effective fundraisers from each organization would benefit everyone.