Giving is part of America’s character, culture, and economy. It is an engine of ingenuity in the United States and it is part of our nation’s social contract.

In the 1830s, the French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville toured the United States and coined the concept of American exceptionalism in his classic book “Democracy in America,” in which he marveled that Americans “willingly sacrifice a portion of their time and property” to improve the welfare of their fellow citizens. Since that time, American philanthropy has witnessed many extraordinary acts of generosity.

Today this generosity of spirit continues. In 2016 alone, Americans donated some $390 billion to charitable causes, nearly three-quarters of which came not from foundations or corporations, but from individuals hailing from all walks of life. Indeed, philanthropy is the backbone of America’s non-profit field, which is comprised of some 1.5 million organizations that account for 10 percent of all private sector employment nationwide. It is clear that government alone could not support the great array of services the non-profit sector provides. Neither government nor philanthropy can sustain our nation’s non-profit institutions alone – they must work together to keep our democracy dynamic and thriving.

Locally speaking, be it areas such as education, health, the arts, recreation, faith and social/human services, our community and country is a good example of how philanthropy has and continues to have a major impact in advancing quality of life and human well-being right here in north central Iowa.

Many of Fort Dodge’s iconic organizations were either started or have been supported by philanthropy, i.e. generous people who have provided significant financial support.

Here are just a few examples: Blanden Memorial Art Museum, UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center, Fort Dodge Public Library, Fort Dodge catholic schools, Rogers Sports Complex, Fort Dodge Community Recreation Center (formerly the YMCA), Fort Dodge churches, Baber Hospice House, Trinity Cancer Center, Fort Dodge/Webster County trail system, Patterson Field, Fort Dodge aquatic center, and Almost Home Animal Center.

These are only a few of many examples of how charitable- philanthropic gifts have advanced the quality of life in our community in very significant ways. The purpose of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation is to advance charitable giving to benefit our community and many charitable organizations and causes.

For more information on how you can support your favorite charitable organizations and causes and take advantage of tax saving opportunities, please contact the Fort Dodge Community Foundation at (515) 573-3171 or stop into our office located at 24 N. Ninth St. in downtown Fort Dodge.

Randy Kuhlman is the chief executive officer of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way.