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Nonprofits Make Their Case To Lexington City Council

kynonprofits.org

Lexington’s nonprofit community spelled out financial concerns to city council members last week.  Kentucky Nonprofit Network CEO Danielle Clore says there’s often a persistent need for more operating revenues. 

Clore noted financial stability can be harder to attain. “When a for profit closes its doors, it’s horrible, it’s someone’s dream, jobs are lost.  But, if it’s your favorite restaurant, another restaurant is going to open in its place.  Will another philharmonic open?  Will another Children’s Museum open?  Will another domestic violence shelter open? No, probably not,” said Clore. 

CivicLex Director Richard Young says for the most part nonprofit workers under age 35 don’t see Lexington as a place to advance careers.  He said some also have a negative view of how Lexington supports the sector. 

The representatives from Lexington’s nonprofit community say many of these organizations face financial and employee retention challenges.   Council Member Amanda Mays Bledsoe said the private sector encounters some of the same issues.   “When they talk about the lack of growth or expansion or options to move, that’s the same for a 35-year-old in the private sector, nonprofit sector, kind of in general right now in Fayette County.  And that’s a problem that’s going to be hard for us to overcome.  As people don’t have more income, they don’t give as generously either,” explained Mays Bledsoe. 

Clore told council members there are more than 2000 registered nonprofits in Fayette County, representing about 9% of the workforce and creating some $674 million in wages. 

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