Hanover’s Perspective
Hanover Nonprofits Bolster the Community & Local Economy
Learn how the community and local businesses can assist nonprofits serving Hanover County.
Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in building healthy communities by providing critical services that contribute to the economic stability and mobility inclusive of all citizens. While nonprofits are often most recognized for their mission-based achievements and results, their economic impact as dynamic businesses in local communities is substantial. Nonprofits directly contribute to the local economy by:
- Employing nonprofit staff and paying associated wages, taxes, and benefits.
- Providing work opportunities through job training and placement services.
- Purchasing goods and services from local vendors, therefore, creating more jobs.
- Spurring other ancillary economic activity.
- Attracting employers by providing community assets such as cultural amenities.
Nonprofits also strengthen communities by forging strong community relationships while possessing intimate local knowledge enabling these organizations to fully understand the communities’ needs and the best ways to meet them.
However, in an era of growing needs and shrinking resources, nonprofits are being asked to do even more with less, placing additional strain on their already limited resources. As a result, many nonprofits are struggling to find support that can strengthen their operations, enable them to deliver their services more effectively and ultimately help create a strong economy that is good for all sectors.
How can the business community help? In addition to financial and material support, nonprofits are also in need of skills-based volunteerism and network creation. By directly engaging with these organizations, the business community can make the connections that nonprofits need to support their mission.
As a prime example, Hanover and King William Habitat for Humanity (H&KW Habitat) makes a tremendous impact on the lives of citizens by offering comprehensive assistance to hardworking families seeking home ownership with an affordable mortgage. Located in Hanover for more than 30 years, the organization’s work of helping to provide home ownership has direct impacts on the net worth, educational achievement, civic participation, health, and overall quality of life for Hanover citizens. Affordable and responsible homeownership builds brighter futures, stronger families, and a stronger Hanover community. To date, Habitat has constructed 78 homes and performed 61 critical repairs. The organization’s Critical Repairs Program offers reduced cost repairs to local homeowners to make their houses accessible, livable, and energy efficient by performing work that addresses health and safety issues or code violations such as roof repairs or replacement, critical electrical/plumbing/HVAC needs, damaged fascia, window replacement and more.
To achieve its mission, H&KW Habitat relies on several funding sources. Established in 2005 to provide a self-sustaining funding source, the ReStore located at 7199 Stonewall Parkway in Mechanicsville, is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances to the public at a fraction of the retail price with proceeds from sales used to build Habitat homes. As an added benefit, the recycling of unsellable items, and evens parts of unsellable items that contain precious metals, helps to diminish landfill waste. Other significant funding sources include direct financial donations, scheduled recurring donations, gifts of securities and/or land, employer matching gifts, and donations of materials and labor including construction materials, tools, equipment, skilled construction labor, and office/program supplies. To explore various donation options, visit Hanover Habitat Donations page.
According to H&KW Habitat’s Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, the organization utilized $200,000 from sales from the Restore, $20,633 generated from its aluminum cans and scrap metal recycling program and the services of 1,048 volunteers who generously donated 12,119 hours. Outcomes realized during the fiscal year included two newly constructed homes, one home renovation and 20 critical repairs.
The Community Foundation for a greater Richmond is a leading partner and advocate for philanthropy and service in the Richmond region. Founded in 1968, the Foundation has built a strong legacy of helping people and institutions give back with passion and purpose. To view volunteer and giving opportunities with nonprofit organizations and programs serving Hanover County and throughout the region, visit Community Foundation’s Engagement Center.
For a listing of many nonprofits located in Hanover County, visit the Hanover Chamber of Commerce‘s member directory and use the search box with the the term “nonprofit.”