Report Tells of COVID-19 Impact on Local Nonprofits

The Town of Gilbert, Dignity Health, and Gilbert and Mesa Chambers of Commerce teamed up to reach out to area non-profits to gain an understanding of the immediate and long term impact and need of these organizations as a result of COVID-19.

The group first conducted a survey sent to more than 100 non-profits with a primary focus on those serving residents of Gilbert. A Non-Profit Town Hall webinar was held on April 27th and will continue bi-weekly to provide continued updates, sharing of resources and collaboration.

Key Takeaways:

• Respondents indicated awareness of Federal funding assistance (80%). Fewer have an understanding of state (52.3%) and local (38%) funding. There is a need for clarification of the distribution of funds being collected through donation to the Arizona Coronavirus Relief Fund. Note: Both the Town of Gilbert and the City of Mesa will be administering the use of CDBG-CV funds in response to COVID-19.
• Currently, non-profits are primarily concerned with the safety of their staff, volunteers, and clients (57.1%), the health and well-being of clients who cannot receive services at this time (47.6%) and the ability to provide service (40.4%) while maintain staff salaries and benefits (40.4%). Respondents also commented on the concern for homeless clients and the technology needs of children in transitional housing. To ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, and clients, non-profits are limiting contact with clients, increasing sanitizing, and decreasing the number of volunteers and staff members allowed onsite at any one time.
• Currently, a majority of respondents have needs for funding of operational costs (85.7%), funding for salaries and benefits (61.9%) and equipment and supplies for services (42.8%). Of least concern was a shortage of volunteers or support services (14.2%).
• Post-COVID concerns include the impact on clients served (76.1%), insufficient funding and revenue to sustain the organization (64.2%), loss of revenue (59.5%) followed closely by the impact on staff and volunteers (57.1%). The inability to hold fundraisers and the loss of donors due to safety and economic concerns are significant concerns for long-term impact. The emotional and mental trauma sustained by staff also is a factor.
• Respondents anticipate the long-term consequences on their organization to include a reduction on services (50%) and a reduction on staff (32.5%). Some anticipate their services to improve as a result of the response to changes in processes driven by COVID-19. There is concern for a decrease in government funding, inability to fundraise, and decrease in interest of volunteers.
• While some non-profits indicated no change in their workforce (30.9%), others have responded to the impact of COVID-19 by reassigning employee duties (38%), laying off employees (23.8%) and placing employees on furlough (7.1%). Comments included reduction in staff hours due to the home commitments of staff members, budget changes, and safety concerns. One respondent indicated a reduction from 27 to 11 sites of service.

Non-profits shared best practices with an emphasis on connection – staying in contact with remote workers and clients and expressing gratitude and thanks to everyone.