Nonprofits: Where empathy meets action.

My daughter, Lucy, graduated from preschool at the end of May and will be off to kindergarten in five short weeks. My husband and I made the conscious decision to keep her home with us instead of enrolling her in a summer program so we could make the most of the remaining “little” years. Our days have been filled with play dates, pool parties, day trips to the beach, visits to the library, long walks, and golf cart rides as the sun starts to set.

One of Lucy’s favorite morning routines is checking in on her tomato plant and “talking to the flowers” after breakfast. She’ll throw on a pair of raggedy Crocs, slide open the back door leading to the deck, and check the state of the flowers; deciding which ones need the “most love” based on their appearance that day. I’ll watch her crouch down low, scoot as close to each potted plant as she can get, and softly whisper, “Good morning little flower! I hope you grow big and strong. You can do it! I believe in you!” It's been neat to watch her take ownership of this “job” and see her excitement as she watches her plants seemingly come back to life after a heat wave, fierce wind, or after the deer have had their midnight snack… all from a little TLC.

As our country celebrated its independence this past weekend the usual excitement around fireworks and festive traditions was quickly overshadowed by news of legislation being passed affecting millions of Americans' access to healthcare and food assistance, unprecedented flooding in Texas resulting in unimaginable deaths and, right here in my home state, witnessing another tropical storm impact local communities in central North Carolina after the Western part of the state is still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Helene last Fall.

It’s easy for me to succumb to the weariness of it all. And, as children often do, my daughter reminded me that in these moments a few, simple uplifting words can be equally as effective as a cool drink of water to a parched plant on a hot summer day.

The nonprofit sector offers the same restorative care to our communities. They revive hope and nurture resilience. Nonprofits tend to the most critical needs and are uniquely positioned to be the leading voices on issues shaping our communities since their proximity to the problem gives them an authentic platform.

When the world is uncertain and polarizing, the nonprofit sector offers clarity of mission and purpose.

As the public loses its trust in institutions, nonprofits remain a trusted voice.

Because they are grounded in lived experience, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to lead with integrity.

Nonprofits are where empathy meets action.

Many nonprofits right now find themselves in vulnerable positions with funding shortages, staff cuts, and increased demand. These challenges are not only exhausting, but they are also unsustainable. I am not trying to downplay the urgent need for systemic change, but what continues to inspire me is the nonprofit sector’s resiliency. Nonprofits aren’t just surviving; they are innovating. Their resilience is not a substitute for structural reform; it’s a signal that when the right investments are made this sector is ready to lead the way forward.

I’ll end with a few uplifting headlines to remind us of what is still growing.

• A new award honoring everyday acts of civic courage was recently launched, set to grant $5 million to recognize nonprofits and individuals who stand up for their communities in meaningful ways.
• A U.S. Coast Guard officer rescued over 150 people, many of whom were children, during the recent Texas floods and being hailed a hero.
• Asheville, NC was ranked as the #3 best town to visit in 2025, largely attributed to its picturesque mountain views and resilience of the community post Helene.

These stories remind us that where there is hardship there is also heart… and often a nonprofit leading the way.

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Sara Littlejohn is the Administrative Coordinator for Armstrong McGuire. Learn more and catch her other musings in her bio.