The Importance of Supporting Nonprofits

A Letter from Allies in Aging CEO, Erika Purington

Nonprofits do far more than fill the gaps left by government and business. Collectively, they make up what we call the social sector—the network of nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and mission-driven partners that strengthen the wellbeing of our community. This sector includes everything from food banks and aging services to arts and culture organizations, shelters, youth programs, and mental health providers. According to the Montana Nonprofit Association, 915 nonprofit organizations are active in Yellowstone County, working every day to support, enrich, and stabilize the lives of our neighbors. The social sector is woven into nearly every part of daily life. It is the connective tissue that keeps our community strong, resilient, innovative, and compassionate.

If the social sector were to disappear today, thousands of people in our county would lose employment, and tens of thousands would lose safety nets that are essential to their survival and long-term wellbeing. Nonprofits ensure people have access - access to art, music, and culture, and for many of our most vulnerable neighbors, access to lifesaving services and critical supports that no other system provides.

The truth is that the social sector is both resourceful and remarkably efficient. With deeply underfunded budgets, nonprofits find ways to create more with less. They stretch every dollar, innovate continuously, and move quickly in times of crisis. They are masters at generating mission-driven return on investment. The idea that nonprofits are simply “charity” has long since passed. Today, the nonprofit sector is a significant economic engine for our region - employing thousands, mobilizing millions in volunteer service, and returning far more value to the community than they extract.

Yet, even with all this good work happening every day, the nonprofit community in Billings has recently faced setbacks caused by disappointing leadership and hands-off oversight in a few highly visible situations. These failures - well-documented and understandably concerning - have cast a shadow across the broader social sector. When one organization falters, the ripple effects reach all of us. It can shake public trust, even though the overwhelming majority of nonprofits operate with strong accountability, transparent financial practices, and deep integrity.

While these allegations and events are incredibly disappointing, I encourage our community to remember the full picture: most nonprofits in Yellowstone County are functioning with clear oversight, strong governance, and an unwavering commitment to their missions. They are guided by talented and engaged boards of directors who take their responsibility seriously, and by dedicated, competent staff who show up every day to serve, support, and strengthen our community.

We see evidence of this integrity and hard work everywhere. We see it in the extraordinary collaborative response to rising food insecurity. We see it in partnerships that check in on older adults, support caregivers, run youth programs, offer safe shelter, provide transportation, and connect people to essential resources. When nonprofits, volunteers, donors, and community partners come together, remarkable things happen - lives stabilize, crises are averted, and neighbors experience dignity and care.

As we enter the giving season, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every person who supports nonprofits through donations, volunteerism, advocacy, and partnership. Your trust and involvement truly fuel the wellbeing of our community.

This year, I also encourage you to take time to do your due diligence when deciding where to give. Ask questions. Talk with Executive Directors and members of Boards of Directors. Review financial information, annual reports, and program impacts. Nonprofits should be transparent - because transparency builds trust, and trust is essential to effective mission work. You deserve to feel confident in every organization you choose to support.

At Allies in Aging, we welcome your questions. Our team is committed to honesty, stewardship, and mission-driven excellence, and we are always honored to share how your support strengthens the lives of older adults across Yellowstone County. Together, we can ensure a thriving, healthy, and connected community—one where every person has the support they need to live well at every age.

Warmly,

Erika Purington

Chief Executive Officer