Nonprofits are social-impact powerhouses. We serve our community better when we work together | Opinion

Last month, organizations across the region celebrated National Nonprofit Day and, it is hoped, were giving themselves a well-earned pat on the back. We are living, working, playing and learning better in our communities because of the great work being done by our nonprofit system of care.

According to a recent report from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, there are almost 4,500 nonprofits in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Combined, these organizations employ over 100,000 people across the region. The nonprofit sector is a significant contributor to the economy, employing professionals who touch nearly every industry.

Historically, nonprofits have been stigmatized in a variety of ways that minimized their impact on business and the economy. However, increasingly we are seeing that our government and private-sector partners are beginning to recognize nonprofits as the crucial problem solvers for our economic, social and health issues.

The ability for nonprofits’ leaders to connect and collaborate is imperative in strengthening safety nets for those who need it. Through the Nonprofit Executive Alliance, leaders are working together to be catalysts for change and facilitators of social impact, economic mobility and community prosperity.

What began as a small but influential group of local nonprofit CEOs in Broward County, who recognized the importance and value of working together to solve big problems, has blossomed into a coalition of more than 120 nonprofit CEOs that touches every corner of the county and beyond, addressing every economic, social and health issue.

The Nonprofit Executive Alliance is a social impact coalition of CEOs that advances leadership, strengthens local communities and provides a unified voice for the sector. The expansion of impact and engagement into Miami-Dade and Monroe counties has come as a result of more than a year of due diligence and an overwhelming need to better discuss, analyze and address these issues from a regional point of view.

Our partner in this effort, PhilanthropyMiami, is a well-regarded and longstanding convener of the nonprofit community and will be the anchor for our expanded footprint as we establish a new strategic ecosystem for the system of care and support that so many residents and businesses rely on daily.

This broader, regional alliance of leaders means more awareness of the essential role that nonprofits play in our community. While always a relevant part of our society, the pandemic magnified the role of the sector as the need for nonprofit services soared — while donations declined because of the social and economic uncertainty.

Clients, employees, volunteers and board members often don’t see county lines when seeking services or wanting to be involved. This targeted regional effort will also seek to amplify how we engage business and government leaders in service through volunteerism, philanthropy and organizational leadership.

The Alliance is positioned to harness the power of collective impact, innovation and rapidly changing times to have a deeper and broader influence in the issues that affect our communities. By providing a place for these nonprofit CEOs to network, gain industry knowledge and better connect with stakeholders across county lines, we can be more effective at making a difference.

Sandra Veszi Einhorn is executive director of the Nonprofit Executive Alliance. Fernanda K. Jorgensen is executive director PhilanthropyMiami.