This week, nonprofit leaders from all over the United States asked Congress to provide additional COVID-19 relief for charities.
Similar to necessary workers, many nonprofits have contributed directly to the recovery efforts and fallout of the pandemic. Unfortunately, this also means that nonprofit businesses were hit hardest with job losses and loss of revenue.
These recovery specialists, these nonprofits, now need recovery as well.
But how exactly did we get here? Let’s take a look at how nonprofits have helped during the pandemic, and why this assistance is so important. Then let’s talk about how we all can help.
Why We Need Nonprofits Now More Than Ever
For many nonprofit organizations, their primary function is to provide support to their communities. That means the work of nonprofits most likely benefits you often, whether you’re aware of it or not.
“You have seen the work of many other charitable organizations in recent weeks, helping with food and housing insecurity as job losses and evictions mount. Demand for these services has skyrocketed as donations have plummeted…”
Despite the fact that nonprofits often are the backbone of COVID-19 relief, they find themselves struggling to have enough funding to survive.
“Without a healthy and thriving nonprofit sector, the business of our nation cannot recover.”
We need our nonprofits right now more than ever. Although, it’s hard for most people to think of nonprofits as essential when they’re struggling themselves. That’s why it’s important to remember all of the ways charitable organizations help our economy.
We’re Also Losing Nonprofit Jobs to Coronavirus
The economic toll of Coronavirus on the economy included millions of lost jobs, worldwide. Many of those jobs were at large nonprofit organizations.
“Before the pandemic, nonprofits collectively employed 12.3 million Americans — more than construction, more than manufacturing.”
At the time of writing, more than 1 million jobs have already been lost in the nonprofit sector, “and charitable giving continues to decline.” We have seen that GiveWP users had a significant swell of giving when the pandemic broke out. But that swell has waned, and many organizations are talking about “donor fatigue” now more than ever before. Nonprofit organizations of all kinds are struggling to survive this year.
“The situation is dire.”
How We Can Provide COVID-19 Relief to Nonprofits
If one thing is clear, it’s that we don’t just need our nonprofits right now. Our nonprofits also need us.
“The CARES Act was tremendously helpful, but it wasn’t designed to last this long, and it did not provide relief for all nonprofits. Further relief is needed now.”
However, due to the tumultuous 2020 election season, it’s been difficult to get the concept of additional funding into Congressional debates. This leaves individuals and organizations in limbo, waiting for the political tide to go down.
“Our organizations, our employees, and, most importantly, the people we serve in our communities can’t wait until after the election.”
While we wait, there is something everyone can do to help. GiveWP stands with the Nonprofit Leaders who have reached out for help. We’re asking all of you to make this the largest year for individual giving, ever. If everyone gave just a little, it would help a lot. Remember, what you give to community-focused charitable goes into your community. Giving to nonprofits is often the most tangible and direct way to offer financial assistance to those most directly impacted by the pandemic.
Choose an organization and commit to recurring giving of some kind. Make a pledge to help when you’re able so that our nonprofits can continue to alleviate the stress on our communities.
If you’d like more information about how you can help nonprofits, let us know in the comments. We’ll point you in the right direction.
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