Leverage Impact for Good

by Missy Hanks, Executive Director

At The ELM Foundation, we don’t just ask, “What can we do for you today?”  ​We ask, “What can we do for you today so you won’t need us anymore?” 

The 2025 numbers tell a powerful story about both need and impact in our community. Through Charity Tracker, agencies provided more than $7.2 million in assistance in 2025, resulting in 49,159 instances of aid reaching 6,948 households and 10,068 individuals. These figures represent far more than statistics—they reflect families, seniors, and children receiving critical support. Yet they also serve as a reminder that the demand for assistance continues to grow, requiring a strong and coordinated effort from nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders. A coordinated community effort means we share resources, information, and referrals to address all needs and provide the very best opportunities to leave poverty. It means that we are leveraging our impact for good.

A closer look at the data reveals increasing needs across every age group. Adults ages 18–59 experienced a 12.3% increase in service utilization, while seniors saw an 8.9% increase and children under 18 saw a 6.12% increase. The growing demand underscores the importance of maintaining the resources available to those in need, but not just serving, but serving well and assisting our clients in becoming self-sufficient. Of note, the key insight reflects that more than half of all resources were distributed to those in their critical earning years.

While the ELM Foundation serves in the development area of nonprofit work, where will your agency, church, or community group serve, and will you choose to serve in a way that your clients won’t need you next year?

If you are a Charity Tracker network member - THANK YOU!

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To learn more about Charity Tracker, click here

Email Cathy Larsen at cathy@elmhsv.org with any questions or training requests.

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