Nonprofits are Critical to Civil Society

Is change accelerating? It’s a question that is difficult to answer with certainty, but many seem to perceive we are in a period of transition and transformation. I suggest that nonprofits will play a special role in this period and that their value should be recognized, upheld and defended.

The nonprofit sector is a relatively new concept as far as institutions are concerned, with some of the first American tax exemption laws emerging in the early 1900s. The health and continuity of the sector is not guaranteed. There are undeniable instances of poor governance in a few nonprofits. Ideally, the nature of volunteer board ownership means that many nonprofits possess self-correcting governance mechanisms. Those that do not self-correct should be reformed, but they are clearly the exception to the norm and do not warrant exceptional measures or energy.

Instead, there should be great confidence in nonprofits that advance the greater good, elevate and amplify the voices of the unheard or unheeded, and bring people and communities together to advance neglected causes. It’s inspiring to see nonprofits thrive when they have diverse revenue, especially from individual donors, maintain a skilled and representative board of directors with frequent planned turnover of leadership roles, elevate transparency and accountability, and can plausibly demonstrate impact and effectiveness. These traits should draw others into the mission and bring comfort to wide audiences about the health of the organization.

Advancing Community-Driven Solutions

There are innumerable examples of high-value nonprofits, and we are all likely have a list that comes to mind when we consider the best or those that we are most familiar with. I think of the organizations that I give some of my time to, such as Welcome Wellness Health and Education Resource Center in Belton, MO, which has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in health and wellness promotion and access through intimate and relatable connection to the local community.

In Oakland, CA, ChangeLab Solutions is a national leader in equitable laws and policies that promote community and public health. Each day, they accomplish their mission using approaches and tools that are simply unavailable to the business or government sector, and the result is enduring impact on millions of lives.

Then, the Missouri Council on Aging is a newer nonprofit working to bring the aging and disability communities together to help ensure that all can age well in Missouri. This type of special focus on building collective energy and power among often overlooked populations is an essential component of change for the good.

Across the country, nonprofits large and small—whether focused on serving veterans, disaster victims, faith communities, or those struggling with addiction—demonstrate the unmatched ability to bring people together to solve problems.

An Ethical Compass in Healthcare

Relying on government or corporations to take on the role nonprofits play would mean sacrificing community-driven solutions for bureaucratic red tape or profit-driven priorities. Nonprofits ensure that solutions remain rooted in the people they serve, not external agendas. In the case of the Center for Practical Bioethics, it’s difficult to imagine business or government acting as an ethical compass in health and health care.

I am humbled to have worked in the nonprofit sector for the entirety of my career, and especially to contribute to the work of the Center. My passion for nonprofits was ignited as a Political Science undergraduate at K-State, where a nonprofit management course demonstrated the unique contribution of the sector. I am filled with gratitude with every donation that the Center receives, and I’ve never been in an environment that so seamlessly and completely integrated intelligence with a community mission. Thank you to the organizations and individuals who support us and champion our mission.

In a time of great change, when some question the necessity or integrity of nonprofits, we must stand firm. Nonprofits are a cornerstone of civil society, empowering individuals and strengthening communities. As we look to the future, let’s commit to supporting the sector that brings hope, help and healing to millions. As for the Center, we are more equipped and motivated than ever to raise and respond to ethical issues in health and healthcare in 2025 and beyond.

By James Stowe, PhD