Nebraska ranks 3rd in volunteer rates, study finds, but donations are dropping

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In Nebraska, helping your neighbor is nothing new.

But according to research by Civic Nebraska, how we help is changing.

The Cornhusker State ranks 3rd in the nation for volunteering, with 40.3% of people giving their time to others.

Meanwhile, monetary donations have dropped.

“What’s really exciting is that we stay in that top five in the nation of Nebraskans being amazing volunteers and spending their time differently,” Lily Sughroue said. “They might not be spending their money the same way, but they are definitely putting time, energy and relationships into the mix, and that’s just as important as monetary value.”

Sughroue’s research says donation rates have dropped 22% in rural communities and 13% in urban areas.

The executive director of City Impact, Kristy Goodwin, said both volunteers and donations are essential to keep nonprofits up and running.

“Those two things are the foundation of who we are as an organization,” she said. “It helps keep us afloat, it helps us to grow, it helps us to really show what it means to flourish in a community and do good work in a community as an organization and nonprofit.”

Jim Wagner, a volunteer with Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, said he donates his time because it feels good to make a difference for those in need.

“I’m not fully retired, but I have some time on my hands,” he said. “I know a lady that works here, and I suggested that I might like to volunteer. It really supports my passion for helping those that need help.”