These are uncertain times for Montanans. The changes and challenges in the world's economy over recent months have caused many of us to stop and reflect on the impact the current financial crisis is having on our own lives, families, friends, and communities. It is times like these that we also give thanks for the support structures that help us endure.

Nonprofit organizations are at the forefront of this work. Each and every day, Montana's over 5,000 charitable organizations and 37,000 employees are caring for those most affected by the economic downturn while continuing to educate our children, nurse our sick, mentor our youth, elevate the arts, preserve our heritage, protect our natural resources, rebuild our cities and towns, and more. As Montanans, we depend on nonprofit organizations for the countless facets of our quality of life that make Montana the Last Best Place. Even more, we rely on nonprofits to make life better for the disadvantaged and less fortunate, especially in times of great need.

Although it will take time to identify and understand the ramifications of the economic crisis, a common cycle of nonprofit economics has returned and taken root close to home: when the economy turns downward, nonprofits are hit with the twin engines of increased demand for services and decreased resources and financial support. GuideStar, a national nonprofit research organization, recently reported that 38 percent of nonprofits have seen a decrease in giving for the first nine months of 2008, compared with just 19 percent a year ago. As well, 64 percent of nonprofits reported an increase in demand for services. A cursory review of Montana newspaper headlines over the past several months reveals that Montana nonprofits are not immune to these troubling trends.

Nonprofits in Montana and across the country have historically been quite resilient in weathering difficult economic times. However, we know the magnitude of the current economic crisis -- unprecedented in many ways -- is already having a profound impact on the nonprofit sector in Montana. Nationally, experts are predicting that 10-15 percent of nonprofits may disappear this year and many more will be forced to scale back critical services as shoestring budgets fail to hold together. In Montana, we are already seeing charitable organizations shed jobs at a rate that is alarmingly similar to the for-profit sector. The impact of these lay-offs will be felt far and wide in our communities in the months and years ahead.

What can be done? Not surprisingly, the situation calls for collective leadership, personal responsibility, and bold action to see our communities through to better times. In this giving season, we ask that you get involved with nonprofits -- through both financial support and volunteering. And, if you can, we ask you to consider doing more. We know that is a lot to ask in the current economic crisis. We also know that the barn-raising ethic is alive and well in Montana. It's deeply ingrained in who we are as a people. When Montanans see a need in their community, they respond in ways that make us all proud to live and work here.

Let's get to work building and strengthening our communities. Now more than ever, nonprofits need you. Montana's communities need you.

TOM JACOBSON is CEO/President of Rural Dynamics, Inc. in Great Falls and Board Chair of the Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA). Brian Magee is Executive Director of MNA. MNA serves nearly 550 charitable nonprofits and promotes a stronger nonprofit sector in Montana. MNA achieves its mission through advocacy and public policy, access to affordable products and services, organizational development and training, research and information sharing, and network building.