19.1 Differentiating Nonprofits from Local Government

While local governments are public entities responsible for providing essential services such as policing, education, and infrastructure maintenance, nonprofit organizations often fill gaps in these services or provide additional support. Local governments are funded by taxpayers and are accountable to elected officials, whereas nonprofits rely on donations, grants, and volunteers and are typically run by professional staff and governed by a board of directors. Both play crucial roles in maintaining and improving community well-being, but they operate in different ways.

Local governments in Northeast Ohio, like those in many other places, rely heavily on nonprofits to provide services that the government may not be able to offer on its own. Nonprofits often:

• Provide food and shelter to those in need.
• Offer educational programs and job training.
• Deliver health services and counseling.
• Support arts and cultural activities.
• Develop affordable housing.
• Advocate for specific issues or interests.

Nonprofits also advocate for community needs and help to implement local government policies and initiatives. This collaboration promotes a more comprehensive approach to addressing community challenges.

Local governments often support nonprofits by providing funding through grants and partnering on community projects. They may also coordinate services to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure resources are used efficiently. For example, a city government might work with a local nonprofit to run after-school programs, providing space and logistical support while the nonprofit delivers the programs and services.

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank

One prominent example in Northeast Ohio is the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, which works tirelessly to ensure that everyone in the community has access to nutritious food. As the largest hunger relief organization in the region, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank distributes millions of meals annually to individuals and families in need. They achieve this by partnering with a vast network of neighborhood-based nonprofits, including food pantries, shelters, and community meal programs. Some of their key partners include the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, the Salvation Army, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. By collaborating with these and other organizations, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank effectively extends its reach, providing essential food assistance and resources to those who need it most.