Nonprofits bank on doing good

Without nonprofits, our communities wouldn’t work. 

A full house at the Northwest Montana History Museum in February stood ready to digest a presentation that Adam Jespersen, executive director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, described as “a mile wide and an inch deep." It was as full of data as the talk’s title suggested (“Nonprofits by the Numbers”) and gave plenty to mull along with some eye-popping stats. 

Employing more than 11% of working Montanans, nonprofits are the top industry in the state for share of wages, and rank third in share of employment, in both categories besting other traditional heavy hitters such as construction and public administration. 

In 2023 (the year of the most recent numbers available for MNA’s data crunch), the state's nonprofits paid out more than $3.6 billion in wages, accounting for 12.6% of all wages paid statewide.  

Delivering his talk to the representatives of many Montana nonprofits and amid cuts at the federal level, Jespersen acknowledged the uncertainty. “This moment we are facing is challenging,” he said with a level stare, “but know that you matter.” 

Usually formed to address a need close to home, Montana’s 8,000-plus "nonprofits are frontline workers, guardians of community well-being, employers, and economic drivers,” according to the MNA. Almost every nonprofit prioritizes service to the community above all. 

Take, for example, the Flathead Warming Center, which provides shelter to people in crisis. More than a safe place to sleep during the coldest part of the year, it connects guests with resources and, often, stable housing. A few weeks ago, the shelter was subject of a Kalispell City Council meeting where the Council voted to accept a settlement deal with the shelter after the city rescinded its permit last year. 

The settlement entailed payment of $140,000 toward the shelter’s legal fees and an apology to the shelter director, who had been falsely accused of lying. That $140,000 could have gone to sidewalks or another safety measure. 

Some leaders throw their arms around a problem to best understand and solve it. They smother it with attention and a solution. Others set a problem on fire, burning more people in the process. A year ago, when most of the city’s leaders voted to effectively shut down the shelter, no one “won.” The firestorm, sparked by Flathead County Commissioners laying blame on nonprofits, was fed by a majority of Kalispell City Council, then consumed Flathead Valley residents and pitted them against each other.  

Amid the rancor, a homeless person was beaten to death. 

Hopefully we learned some things. We need more leaders who listen to thoughtful problem solvers in the community, not just those who look to point fingers, and shift difficulties elsewhere. Homelessness will continue until the president fulfills his promise to make America affordable again. 

At the March 17 City Council meeting, Council President Chad Graham, who led the initial charge against the shelter, said, “I want us all to win.” As the federal government shrinks and shudders, Montana nonprofits, including the Flathead Warming Center, aim to help us do that, together. 

Margaret E. Davis, executive director of the Northwest Montana History Museum, can be reached at mdavis@dailyinterlake.com.