OPINION: Nonprofits have the right stuff

With Barack Obama packing to move to Washington, next year, fiscal conservatives are concerned that having the Democratic Party running the executive and legislative branches of government could result in a huge increase in federal spending. Although the Republicans haven't exactly been the party of fiscal responsibility in recent years, Democrats generally are considered more willing to help others - with taxpayer dollars. A good deal of that comes from a genuine desire to help people who need a hand. The problem is, as Milton Friedman once observed, "Nothing is so permanent as a temporary government program."

So what's a fiscally responsible, socially conservative limited-government type to do to discourage government spending on charitable programs? Eliminate, as much as possible, the need for them.

Private charities provide billions of dollars in aid to Americans every year, but this year is shaping up to be one for the record books on the demand side. And it's important to remember that these organizations perform their missions for the sake of their clients, not recognition, but sometimes recognition comes anyway.

Last week The Gazette reported that El Pomar Foundation honored 33 nonprofits from around the state, handing out a total of $400,000 in prize money. Five of the honorees are from Colorado Springs. Topping the list of locals was the Colorado Springs Conservatory for its work to bring the arts to local students. Public schools have cut back on such programs in order to focus on core education. However, many educators believe the arts help students excel in other subjects. State Rep. Michael Merrifield, a retired teacher, penned an op-ed published on these pages earlier this year making just that point. Colorado Springs Conservatory exposes students to the arts without tapping the taxpayers. While that wasn't part of the award criteria, it rates pretty high for limited-government types.

The Conservatory's programs are not just for students from wealthy families. According to The Gazette's report, about 20 percent of the organization's students receive scholarships. That helps open parts of society to the richness of the arts, and imbues those students with a love and appreciation for a subject they might not otherwise have access to.

Joining the Colorado Springs Conservatory in receiving awards were The Friends of Cheyenne Canon, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.

The Friends of Cheyenne Canon provides education, trail maintenance and staff for the park's visitor center. The group's efforts helps residents and visitors appreciate the natural beauty of our area, which can help the economy as visitors tell friends back home what residents of the Pikes Peak region already know.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo attracts visitors for its unique programs and species survival programs. Its Zoo on the Move program helps educate students in low-income schools about exotic animals and their habitats, a hands-on education they might not get anywhere else. The zoo is notable also because it is one of the few zoos in the nation that don't have a hand in the taxpayers' pockets. Again, not part of El Pomar's selection process, but a plus in our book.

Junior Achievement is an important link between students and the real world, educating them about the free enterprise system. Such learning helps prepare them for careers. In addition to the valuable lessons kids get about how our economy works, they see first-hand how giving of oneself adds value to the lives of others. According to The Gazette, almost 1,500 people give their time and expertise to teach classes to southern Colorado youngsters as part of Junior Achievement.

Although a hospital is not what most people think of when they hear "nonprofit," Penrose-St. Francis exemplifies the nonprofit mission of providing necessary services to a community. It was recognized in 2007 by U.S. News and World Report on the magazine's list of top hospitals, and this year was named one of HealthGrade's top 50 hospitals. Not content to always be on the receiving end of things, Penrose-St. Francis donated a quarter-million dollars to other nonprofits last year.

These five outstanding organizations might not be what many think of as charities, and likely they don't think of themselves as such, but they do provide services to our community that residents might not otherwise have. Each adds to the richness of life in the Pikes Peak region and is worthy of note.