Behind the Scenes: Demystifying How PRISM Operates and Serves the Community

What is PRISM and what do we stand for?  

PRISM, People Responding in Social Ministry, is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Twin Cities Metro community by offering essential services and resources to individuals and families in need. Through housing assistance and homelessness prevention, food support via the Marketplace food shelf, children’s programs, and a thrift store offering affordable, sustainable shopping options, PRISM’s reach is broad, and its impact is meaningful.  Our mission is to provide social services and connections that empower people in the community to build healthy, stable lives. By providing a supportive space for those facing challenging times, we strive to create a more resilient and thriving community. 

However, PRISM’s impact relies heavily on the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, and the partnerships we’ve formed with like-minded organizations and local businesses. These are the cornerstones that allow PRISM to make a sustainable, consistent difference. To help our supporters understand the full extent of what it takes to run a nonprofit of this size and scope and how much PRISM values your support, here’s a closer look behind the scenes at PRISM’s operations. 

The essential operations that keep our mission moving. 

Though we are a nonprofit, PRISM functions very similar to a for-profit business. While the primary goal is to support the community, we still face the same operational challenges that any business does, from setting budgets to planning strategically for the future. PRISM’s financial structure requires careful budgeting, goal setting, and management. We’re strategic with every donation, grant, and fundraiser to make sure we meet our goals and continue to serve the community effectively. 

Beyond our programs, we have fixed operational costs like rent, utilities, staff compensation, and insurance. This is why recurring donations are crucial because they provide us with financial predictability. Recurring donations help us maintain our services without the uncertainty that often accompanies reliance on sporadic funds. 

PRISM also invests in maintaining a safe, supportive environment for our staff, volunteers, and participants. From safety protocols to skill training, we incur various expenses to ensure our space is welcoming and equipped to serve everyone who comes through our doors. Operations at PRISM, like our food shelf and thrift store, often mirror those in retail. Logistics, pricing, inventory management, and equipment maintenance are integral parts of our daily work. Conducting these activities smoothly and responsibly is how we ensure our programs remain accessible and beneficial to those who need them most. 

How PRISM sources food beyond community donations. 

Providing healthy, quality food options at the Marketplace food shelf is a top priority for PRISM—and it’s a task that requires thoughtful logistics and funding. While community donations bring variety to our food shelf, the bulk of our food must be purchased from reliable sources like Second Harvest Heartland and The Food Group to ensure consistent availability of nutritious options.  

While we welcome food donations, not all items make it onto our shelves due to compromised packaging or expired dates. We ask that donors follow our guidelines when donating to maximize their impact and to ensure that every item reaching our participants meets quality and safety standards. Food donations enhance our variety, but it’s the carefully planned purchases that sustain the majority of our offerings. Donations allow us to make these weekly food purchases, such as perishable items that aren’t typically donated by the community  

It takes a village: community support for PRISM’s programs. 

Housing assistance is one of PRISM’s most in-demand services. Every month, our team fields hundreds of calls from individuals and families seeking housing support. With the end of government-allocated pandemic relief, our housing funds have been substantially reduced, making community and grant support more essential than ever. For many, housing assistance can mean the difference between stability and crisis, and we’re committed to doing all we can to support our neighbors in need. 

For children, a sense of stability and continuity can be incredibly powerful. At PRISM, we work to ensure that all children can experience important milestones, regardless of financial hardships. Programs like Back to School Success, the Birthday Room, and the Holiday Toy Shoppe make it possible for kids to celebrate these special moments with dignity and joy. Whether it’s a new backpack, a birthday gift, or holiday toys, these programs offer children a sense of normalcy and self-worth. PRISM firmly believes that it takes a community to raise a child, and our children’s programs reflect this core value by bringing together resources, volunteers, and supporters to create lasting memories. 

Give to the Max every day; supporting PRISM year-round. 

One of the most significant fundraising events for PRISM is right around the corner, Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s annual giving holiday. On this day, schools and nonprofits statewide come together to rally support for crucial causes, and the community’s generosity is at its peak. Give to the Max Day connects compassionate community members with organizations that make a difference in their neighbors’ lives, including PRISM. Funds raised on Give to the Max Day are spread across our various programs and help to stabilize our finances for the year ahead. 

Although we’re fortunate to see an influx of donations during the holiday season, support often tapers off afterward, leaving critical gaps in the months that follow. During the summer, for example, when donations are at their lowest, our participants’ needs remain just as high. Consistent, year-round support is vital to keeping our programs running without interruption. 

To make the most meaningful impact, we encourage supporters to consider regular monthly donations instead of one-time contributions. Monthly donations give us a stable foundation, allowing us to plan more effectively and allocate resources as needed. There are other ways to support PRISM, too. Volunteering your time, staying active on our social media channels, and engaging with us in person are all ways to deepen your connection with PRISM and amplify our impact. 

Help us make a lasting difference. 

As a community-driven nonprofit, PRISM’s mission relies on the commitment of supporters like you. We hope that this behind-the-scenes look has provided insight into the complexity of our operations and the ongoing support required to keep our programs accessible to everyone in need. Whether you’re a long-time donor, a first-time volunteer, or someone just learning about PRISM, your support matters.  

Consider becoming a recurring donor, engaging with us on social media, or spreading the word about our mission. Together, we can continue to build a community where stability, dignity, and opportunity are within reach for all. Thank you for helping us make a difference—today, tomorrow, and beyond.