National surveys report that about 100,000 non-profit agencies may fail in 2009.

We in Santa Cruz County and around the nation face an unprecedented economic crisis, the results of which are rapidly reducing the funds available to the local agencies that meet the educational, social service and health-care needs of the most vulnerable segments of our population.

The Santa Cruz Community Foundation stands ready to work with the Nogales City Council, county government, the business community, individual donors and the leadership of the non-profit agencies of the Nogales area to mount a rapid and positive response to this crisis.

Our goal is to preserve and protect those who depend upon them. If we fail to act decisively at this critical hour, the network of agencies that has been built up by the sacrificial efforts of so many heroic founders of this unique border area will be in jeopardy.

The consequences of such failure will create a growing number of unemployed, ill, impoverished and increasingly desperate citizens who will have fewer places to turn for aid, and a non-profit sector overwhelmed by a rising tide of need that swamps their ability to serve.

SCCF is creating the Santa Cruz Non-Profit Economic Relief Fund. We also plan to convene a Non-Profit Economic Viability Summit for Santa Cruz County in order to determine the scope of the problem and identify short- and long-term solutions.

This crisis will not be over in a month or even a year; it will take a determined and unified response at all levels to protect those in need and preserve our local agencies.

Fundamental to the success of all these efforts is individual commitment.

More than ever, our community needs each of us to invest in its future while we preserve its past and deal effectively with the challenges of the present. You can do it by becoming a Partner in Philanthropy.

As philanthropy means a lover of humankind so does our campaign. Our shared future depends on your love of, and sacrifices for our community. Call (520) 761-4531 to join this effort today.

(Phillips is director of the SCCF. Reach him at rtp9@earthlink.net.)