Leaders shouldn’t ask nonprofits to do government’s job (Policy Matters)

Nonprofits are the lifeblood of our communities. They help house the homeless, feed the hungry, and advocate for those who have been overlooked. But let’s be clear: nonprofits should not bear the burden of providing essential public services that governments are obligated to deliver.

In recent years, some of our state’s elected officials have argued that services for the less fortunate are best provided by charitable nonprofits and churches rather than through public funding. These claims often come from so-called small-government advocates looking to justify cuts to services for hard-working Oklahomans.

However, such statements ignore a fundamental truth: nonprofits were never designed to replace government. They exist to complement it. Nonprofits fill gaps, create innovative solutions, and work directly with vulnerable populations. But they were never intended nor funded to pick up the slack. Our elected leaders must uphold their responsibility to provide core public services like housing, food security, health care, and education. Offloading these duties onto nonprofits undermines the foundation of our social contract.

Government exists to serve the common good through shared investment from all of its citizens, allowing us to achieve progress on a scale far greater than what individuals or small groups can accomplish alone. Governments ensure services are universally accessible, regardless of how someone looks, how they worship, or who they love. They are also accountable to taxpayers through elections, oversight, and public transparency.

Expecting nonprofits to shoulder these responsibilities ignores the financial realities they face. Nonprofits rely on donations and grants, which fluctuate with the economy, donor interest, and other unpredictable factors. In Oklahoma and across the country, most charitable giving occurs in December. End-of-year giving represents about $1 in every $5 nonprofits receive annually. So, the holiday season can be make or break for many nonprofits.

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for over 16 years, I am deeply proud of our impact. However, we must hold our elected officials accountable when they suggest nonprofits should take over the responsibility of caring for our fellow Oklahomans. Nonprofits enhance our communities, but they cannot replace a functioning public sector.

Let’s remember that a thriving society requires both strong nonprofits and effective government working in partnership — not one trying to do the other’s job.