Brian Tarbuck serves as chair of the board at the Kennebec Valley YMCA in Augusta.

These days, we all need a bit of community. From the divisiveness of our politics to the gravitational pull of social media, Mainers are desperate for opportunities to socialize with others— friends, family members or even strangers.

In Maine, the nonprofit sector plays a pivotal role in fostering that sense of community. Our state’s nonprofit ecosystem is a major economic driver, with over 10,000 organizations contributing billions of dollars to the state’s GDP. We employ tens of thousands of hard-working Mainers, while mobilizing hundreds of thousands of volunteers, and most nonprofits operate on tight budgets.

But that’s not all — not even close. Beyond economics, nonprofits are drivers of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. From providing child care services to offering fitness programs and fundraising for Mainers in need, we are woven into the social fabric of our state. Nonprofits make communities feel more connected, especially at a time when we are so often divided in our own bubbles.

Take the 16 YMCAs in Maine. Dating back to 1863, when the first YMCA was founded in our state, these nonprofits have been valuable community centers for children and parents alike. YMCAs serve more than 130,000 people across Maine, leaning on our employees and volunteers to provide critical services that would otherwise fall to the government. Working with our neighbors, our mission is to address the many challenges facing our state with respect, love and an unwavering sense of togetherness.

When kids need to learn how to swim, the YMCA is there to help. When local sports teams need somewhere to practice, we’re there too. This is especially true in Augusta, where the Kennebec Valley YMCA has two swimming pools — including an eight-lane competition lap pool — that have been teaching kids swimming and other life skills for decades. In the winter, there is no better place to swim or lift weights or participate in a yoga class, with the support of dozens of volunteers putting in countless hours.

But this is an uncertain time for the Kennebec Valley YMCA and other nonprofits. Our campus is about 20 years old and in need of extensive renovations, but we are struggling to cover costs. Across our state, many impactful nonprofit organizations are looking for funds that may never come, jeopardizing the services that they provide to people who need them most.

Short of federal, state, and local funding, we rely on the goodwill of private donors in our neighborhoods and communities, but that money is never a guarantee. Facing economic uncertainty themselves, would-be philanthropists don’t always remember to support the YMCA down the road or an animal shelter next door, and that is understandable.

However, in our precarious position, we have one message for Maine: “Please don’t forget us.” Across our state, our hope is to create a movement of renewed nonprofit giving, knowing that most Mainers are kind-hearted, generous people who are willing to chip in for a good cause.

State lawmakers’ recent push to protect funding for houses of worship and other nonprofits is welcome news, creating momentum for broader nonprofit support. The Kennebec Valley YMCA is located right across from the Capitol, so we are grateful whenever the state Legislature takes steps to support the nonprofit community.

From individual citizens to small businesses and large corporations, we all have a role to play in being charitable — particularly those with means. Even a $1 or $10 donation counts as philanthropy. This isn’t about you or me; it is about us. In order for nonprofits to do their job and bring us closer together, we can’t let them fall by the wayside.

For the sake of individual enrichment and Kennebec Valley as a whole, let’s stand together for those standing by others. Let’s stand up for our local YMCAs. Let’s support our nonprofit organizations, and let’s see Maine flourish for generations to come.