Non-profits find niche in Madison

by Kirtan Gandhi, News Reporter

Non-profit organizations have found a comfortable niche in Madison, far from their typical homes in Washington, D.C.

Although Wisconsin is often associated with cheese, beer and the Packers, recent trends have shown Madison to be a good place to establish a myriad of non-profit organizations.

Erin Oliver of the Biodiversity Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the preservation of nature and better environmental practices, said the “quality of life and progressive nature of Madison are two of the biggest reasons why we are in Madison.”

Oliver added that the dedication of the students at the University of Wisconsin provides non-profit workers with a positive, progressive energy.

“The energy makes it easier for the organization to achieve its goals simply because there is a foundation of support and similarity between all of us,” she said. “[Madison] provides a perfect example of an environmentally sustainable city.”

The lifestyle in Madison balances well with the per-capita-income wage, according to Oliver. The Biodiversity Project is just one of many organizations that had originally planned to launch in Washington, D.C., but chose Wisconsin instead. Oliver said many organizations that move to Washington lose touch with what life is like in the rest of America.

Representatives from the Center for Media of Democracy agree. They said Madison is an ideal city for its work.

Laura Miller, assistant editor of the progressive public-relations watch group, said the quality of life and value of the dollar makes Madison economically practical. Additionally, the diverse and educated community in Madison provides a perfect forum for unconventional and revolutionary ideas.

“Guest lectures at the UW help inform the public and diversify thought while adding to the vibrant community,” Miller added.

Some students agreed that Madison is conducive for non-profit organizations to flourish. “Madison is a liberal town that embraces diversity and is always open to new ideas,” UW junior Mobin Nassir said. “The activism of the students and faculty alike make it easier for non-profit groups to have a voice for their concerns.”

According to Cieslewicz’s spokesperson Melanie Conklin, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz believes there are many benefits to having non-profit organizations within the community.

“Non-profit organizations take care of the community, provide jobs and increase the quality of life for many local citizens,” she said.

In addition, the organizations help decrease the burden of city government by completing projects that could not otherwise be addressed by the mayor’s office.

Cieslewicz said Madison is the ideal background for the new groups, because local citizens are always willing to try new things with optimism and creativity. He said non-profit organizations add another great dimension to the city.

He also said he is excited by the trend and is committed to doing anything he can to facilitate the growth of more non-profit organizations.