More Idahoans than not think the state of affairs in Idaho is ‘off track’ for the first time in the nine-year history of Boise State’s annual Public Policy Survey, released earlier this year. Other societal indicators such as trust in institutions continue to decline: In the 1960s nearly three-quarters of Americans said they had trust in the government to do what is right. For the past decade, that number has hovered around only one in five Americans saying they have trust in the government. Rates of loneliness, isolation, and associated mental health struggles have skyrocketed over the past decade.

In a society that is burnt out, disconnected, and isolated, can generosity be part of the key to unlocking a healthier way forward?

The story of the nonprofit sector has its origins in the mid-1800s in a famous Alexis de Tocqueville quote where the Frenchman observes America’s social ingenuity by remarking that Americans were constantly forming ‘associations of a thousand different types...religious, moral, serious, futile, very general and very limited, immensely large and very minute.” In other words — the nonprofit sector.

Americans had a skill for connecting the social fabric for the common good through the formation of social groups: labor unions, membership organizations, neighborhood associations, and charitable nonprofits. The story of the charitable nonprofit sector is a story based on connection to causes greater than oneself.

Idaho Gives is one such opportunity that can provide a doorway into more connection with our community. My mom, Kathy, is one such example.

As a new retiree and recent Idaho transplant from the Midwest, Kathy was looking for a way to use her retirement to give back to a cause she cares about. She had just finished a 40-year career as a public school teacher in a special education classroom and was looking for a nonprofit cause in Idaho that supported the special education community. During Idaho Gives, she stumbled upon Gamechangers Idaho, a nonprofit that brings together youth with and without disabilities onto the same playing field to build empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

What started as a $10 donation a year ago, turned into following their newsletter and social media. She then felt herself being called to give her talents to the cause and signed up to volunteer with Gamechangers just recently and completed their volunteer training.

Time. Talent. And Treasure. These are the secret ingredients of Idaho’s nonprofit sector.

Despite the negativity, social malaise, and complex issues facing our society and state, nonprofits can and should be an opportunity we all say ‘Yes’ to in the coming weeks.

Idaho runs on nonprofits and the charitable nonprofit sector is Idaho’s best-kept secret. From preserving our open spaces, feeding the elderly, providing healthcare, and bringing us world-class arts and cultural experiences, to housing and caring for our neighbors and veterans, nonprofits truly fill every gap in our community. Idaho Gives is our annual celebration to lift up and give to any of the 600+ participating nonprofits from every region of the state. Now in its 12th year, Idaho Gives has collectively raised nearly $25M for nonprofits in our state. But our sector can’t afford to be the best-kept secret any longer.

Giving to causes we care about may also be the secret to finding connection, community, and something that gives us joy that is larger than ourselves. I encourage you to find your cause on April 29-May 2nd and give at Idahogives.org. Idaho Gives may well be one path to getting us all back on track.