My Nonprofit Reviews

Most nonprofit staff talk about "upriver," that place where people could be helped BEFORE they go over the falls and arrive downriver as clients--with damages that even a dozen good nonprofits cannot always turn around. Capital IDEA works "upriver." Their work ends poverty in a single generation--lifting individuals into income and stability that changes the lives of clients and their families. Capital IDEA pays the costs (tuition, books, child care, emergency expenses) for nontraditional (including older, first generation to enter college, lower performing in high school, ESL speakers, working-poor parents...) for community college degrees in fields that are hiring and paying well. Capital IDEA turns out a lot of nurses, and those nurses have careers that include great pay, benefits, and potential for growth. Clients served (and their families) don't go over the falls and become part of the chaos downriver. Ending poverty through education takes a few years and costs what a community college degree costs--but what a bargain! Best deal in town, and it proves it can be done!

With 20 years of nonprofit experience, I can say that this is the first time I'm addressing the root of the problem--poverty. Capital IDEA ends generational poverty. Using EDUCATION as a bridge to EMPLOYMENT, nontraditional students (low income, older, often parents, first-generation-in-college, testing at middle school math and reading levels) earn community college certifications and degrees to secure jobs in health care, technology, and select trades. These jobs offer great salaries, benefits, and chances for professional advancement. This is how you change outcomes in a community, by stabilizing individuals and families with jobs that move them into a position to take care of themselves and their families with their own resources.

Bat Conservation International is addressing the health of the planet--OUR PLANET--by protecting the world's bats. Bats make up more than 20% of the known mammal species on Earth--and the volume and variety of bats is necessary for so many elements of caretaking--pollination, seed dispersal, insect control. Bat conservation is accomplished through education and successful protection partnerships, and BCI excels at both. The work they do is unique and important and they are a very good nonprofit to support.

More Feedback

It would be impossible to see this natural wonder and learn about bat conservation and NOT BECOME A SUPPORTER. Honestly, for those of us that think of tigers and polar bears when we think of wildlife--this nonprofit will teach you just how terribly much SMALL MATTERS.

More Feedback