As the financial markets continue to roil, local governments and the state of Virginia are slashing budgets.  Line-item cuts of 5 - 30% are hitting nonprofit service-providers hard.  At the very time when many face rising levels of demand, their base funding is being slashed.  And for nonprofits, that means an average of more than $4 lost for every $1 of government money. 

Nonprofits leverage their funding with support from community members and foundations. In addition, their salaried staff are often paid less than government employees doing similar work.  When the government funds are cut, so is the leveraging ability of the nonprofit. 

The result of all this?  Nonprofits are hurt particularly hard by government budget cuts, which means that community services and individual clients suffer more.  
 

Nonprofit leaders are working individually to inform local and state politicians of the severe impact on essential community services when nonprofit program funds are treated the same as other government items. 

As an organization, Nonprofit NoVA brings that same message to the public and the political leadership. 

First, we need to thank those individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies that continued to meet or exceed their support of local nonprofits.  These partners recognize the vital need to maintain a safety net.

Second, we ask those who have not supported their local charities to reach out to know and support them now.   Across Northern Virginia, nonprofits provide the skills, resources, and support to move the needy on to independence.  As more and more families are affected by lost jobs and lost savings, the nonprofits' work is more vital than ever.  Whether it is a short supply of food and shelter or a long-term commitment to job training and affordable housing, residents of Virginia rely on community nonprofits. 

Third, we ask our political leadership to show the way in maintaining the safety net.  Hold the line on budget items which support the work of nonprofit agencies.  Do not cut the strands of the safety net and do not let more families and individuals fall deeper into financial and personal despair.  

Charities play two vital roles:  providing a safety net and resources to those with the least; and providing vital, economic force.  The latter comes from staff employed, community members involved as Board leaders and as volunteers; and neighborhoods stabilized - - even as the former keeps clients employed, involved, and moving to their own stability and independence. 

HOLD THE LINE on budget cuts to nonprofits and KEEP OUR SAFETY NET INTACT.