Armstrong McGuire is proud to partner with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and honored to welcome CEO Ivan Canada as our guest blogger.

‍Envisioning the Role of Nonprofits, Government, and Corporations in 2025 and in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

‍

Six months into my role as CEO of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, I’ve had the opportunity to deeply reflect on the unique and critical role nonprofits play in seemingly stable times and most recently, times of crisis. As I’ve traveled across the state, meeting with nonprofit leaders, board members, and community stakeholders, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration—especially when disasters like Hurricane Helene hit. The flooding from the storm devastated parts of western North Carolina, impacting residents and many of our 100 + member organizations in that region. It has been a strong reminder of how essential the collective efforts of nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations are to community recovery.

In these moments, the importance of working together becomes crystal clear. Each sector brings something vital to the table. Nonprofits, deeply embedded in their communities, often step in as second responders following the immediate actions of first responders during crises. Their strong local ties and leadership enable them to provide ongoing support, mobilizing resources and services to address evolving needs. Working in coordination with government agencies and bolstered by corporate resources and expertise, nonprofits play a vital role in sustaining long-term recovery and resilience efforts.

Hurricane Helene’s impact on nonprofits echoes the challenges we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both crises challenged the nonprofit sector’s ongoing limited resources, forcing organizations to pivot quickly and meet evolving, urgent needs. During COVID-19, nonprofits had to adapt service delivery models, often moving to virtual platforms, navigating health risks, and managing financial instability. Similarly, Hurricane Helene has the potential to disrupt services, exacerbate staffing issues and push organizations beyond their limits.

In both cases, staff burnout was and is a pressing issue. Nonprofit teams remain on the frontlines, tirelessly working to meet the growing demands of the community, even as they navigate their own personal challenges. Despite often being understaffed, they continue to serve with dedication and resilience. During the pandemic, recruiting and retaining talent was an enormous challenge, and Hurricane Helene potentially now further complicates this. Nonprofits are once again short-staffed while trying to deliver critical services. Certainly, it’s been a testament to the sector’s resilience but also a clear signal that long-term investment in nonprofit sustainability and workforce well-being is crucial.

One thing that’s struck me most about North Carolina’s nonprofit sector is its quick, compassionate response in times of disaster. Emergency responders focus on immediate safety, but nonprofits step in to provide essential resources like food, water, shelter, and medical care. Their deep ties to the communities they serve allow them to respond rapidly and effectively.

But nonprofits don’t just stop at immediate relief. They are committed to the long haul. Whether it’s rebuilding homes, offering mental health services, or providing financial assistance to families, nonprofits are there to help communities not only recover but thrive once again. This dedication, however, comes with its own set of challenges—burnout, the ongoing need for sustainable funding, and the demand for operational efficiency. At the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, we are here to support organizations in these areas, offering resources on fundraising, talent management, and more. Our goal is to ensure nonprofits remain resilient, not just during crises but in their everyday work.

While nonprofits are the boots on the ground, government agencies play an equally critical role. They provide leadership and coordination, especially in disaster response, ensuring that efforts are organized and effective. Local governments, in particular, are often the first to assess damage and allocate resources, enabling nonprofits to focus on delivering support to those in need. Government agencies also contribute by providing long-term funding, which is essential for sustained recovery.

Similarly, corporations have stepped up in remarkable ways. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we see businesses offering financial support, supplies, and logistical expertise. Corporate contributions are vital not just for immediate relief but also for long-term recovery. Many companies also engage in philanthropic efforts, helping communities rebuild and thrive after disasters. At the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, we are actively exploring partnerships with corporations to further support the sector. For instance, we’ve recently launched an Association Health Plan, which allows small nonprofits to pool resources and offer better healthcare options to their staff. Corporate collaboration is key to making such initiatives possible and ensuring that nonprofits can continue focusing on their missions.

As I continue in my role, one of my top priorities is to strengthen collaboration across all sectors. The most effective disaster response occurs when nonprofits, government agencies, and corporations work in harmony. Each brings unique strengths—whether it’s direct service delivery, leadership and funding, or resources and innovation. By working together, we can help communities not just recover but become stronger and more resilient for the future.

Looking ahead, I envision the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits not just as a resource for individual organizations but as a convener for the entire sector. We aim to bring together key partners from government, business, and philanthropy to tackle the big challenges facing nonprofits. Whether it’s addressing operational issues like finance and human resources or helping organizations attract and retain talent, we strive to assess nonprofit’s current challenges and to provide the support they need.

I believe our future lies in deepening our engagement with communities across the state. The Center has plans to be out in the field, listening to nonprofit leaders, understanding their needs, and working together to find solutions. This will be what truly strengthens the sector and enables nonprofits to thrive, whether they’re responding to disasters or addressing everyday community needs.

As we move forward, I see incredible opportunities for growth, collaboration, and positive impact. But to continue this important work, we need support. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or advocating for policies that help nonprofits do their work more effectively, everyone can play a role. Together, we can ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to respond to disasters like Hurricane Helene and continue building a brighter, more resilient future for North Carolina.

‍

Armstrong McGuire is a proud partner of the upcoming NC Nonprofits Conference October 22-23, 2024 in the Triangle. Managing Director Shannon Williams will speak at the "Transforming Philanthropy: Insights from the Uncharitable Documentary" session alongside dynamic female nonprofit executives Kristen Brown Smalley, Kristine Sloan, and Sabrina Slade, MBA on Tues. October 22 at 2:00. Learn more about the session here. Check out Dan Pallotta's Ted Talk "The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong". The Uncharitable Movie is now streaming.