COVID-19 Impact on Non-Profits

COVID-19 is having a significant impact on Non-profit organizations. AJ Martelli had an excellent article in today’s Poughkeepsie Journal discussing the plight of non-profits. The article cited a recent survey from the Center for Effective Philanthropy. The statistics are startling — 60% of those polled indicated that they may not be able to continue operating under current conditions past the next six months. About 72% have experienced a drop in revenue and 38% have already had staff reductions. While revenue is declining, the need for services is up — 45% said that they have experienced an increase in demand for services.

Now, however, is not the time to panic. It is the time for careful planning to determine what the organization needs to do to continue to meet its mission. Organizations need to think outside of the box for fundraising. It is the perfect opportunity to have an “ungala”. They need to reach out to the donor base and make sure that they understand the needs of the organization and what the organization is doing and how they are helping during this time of Covid. This is the time for a personal touch — phone calls to donors, to volunteers, and to staff to let them know how much they are appreciated. It is the time to look at what the organization needs to look like in 6 months, 9 months or a year and begin to make plans to achieve that.

Making a plan, being nimble to adjust the plan and then implementing the plan will help your organization to not just survive, but be able to better meet its mission in the future.