MINNESOTA, USA — Despite record turn-out for Give to the Max Day, Minnesota nonprofits say help is still needed this holiday season.
In a 2024 report by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, 79% of Minnesota's nonprofits reported in a survey that they have less than 12 months before they face financial distress.
That’s not the only strain organizations feel. About 73% of respondents reported that demand for services has increased over the past year.
Keith Kozerski, the chief program officer for Catholic Charities, is one of the many working on free foot medical screen exams and giving out shoes at its Dorothy Day Place campus in Saint Paul Saturday.
"In our children's programs and our homelessness diversion, we saw over 100% increase in our clients last year," said Kozerski.
The ICA Food Shelf, which also provides home and job services, has seen an uptick in folks coming to them for help amid rising food costs.
"We're becoming the primary grocery store for a large number of families," said Dan Narr, the executive director.
An analysis published this year by the Department of Human Services says there were 7.5 million visits to Minnesota food shelves last year, two million more than the year before.
"We want to make sure they have enough, nobody should have to write to go hungry," said Narr.
The nonprofits say the goal is to serve those in need, but they need your help.
For a list of nonprofits and to explore donations, visit givemn.org.