Nonprofit organizations do a lot of work for the community, addressing needs that frequently the community would expect to be provided by the government. I would define them as the "third sector", next to the private sector and the public sector. Examples: save homeless animals, feed and provide affordable goods and services to the poor, etc.
If both the private and the public sector provided more support to the nonprofits, I think we would have a better Phoenix.
When I say support, I am referring to time, money and other resources. For example; a lot of young people want to volunteer and they are willing give their time to nonprofits. Unfortunately, most nonprofits require a minimum age of 18 yrs old, very few will allow 16 year-olds with the presence of an adult or parent and of course extremely few organizations will let anyone younger that that to participate. I think young men and women are being underestimated.
When it comes to money and other resources, of course deducting taxes is a huge incentive, which we greatly appreciate. How about setting up a foundation for nonprofits to apply for support and based on merit (those that benefit the community best, that do more with less, that have lots of volunteers, etc), get funds to continue their work.
Other resources that can be used is all the wasted food and medical supplies that nonprofits can use to save lives, feed the homeless, etc. If both the private and public sector made it easier for nonprofits to find and have access to those resources, through websites or some other communication form, Phoenix would be a better place.
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