These are undeniably the worst of times and we realize now more than ever before that nonprofit advocacy matters. Government policies and programs including strengthening charitable giving incentives, expanding nonprofit access to PPP loans, providing full unemployment benefit reimbursement, liability protections, and state and local aid are pivotal to how quickly, and how well nonprofits recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
Michigan Nonprofit Association Blog
MNA provided a "snapshot" of responses made by the end of 2020 in the impact survey. It's continuing to take responses for the study in the hopes of collecting a broader pool of responses from the state's nonprofit sector and getting a sense of the impact the second round of PPP and annual appeals that are closing out will have for nonprofits, Kelley Kuhn said.
Nonprofit organizations have been among those forced to adapt change and overcome survival challenges in 2020. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair called Donna Murray-Brown, president/CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, to discuss what was learned in 2020 and how that will carry forward in 2021.
Donna Murray-Brown, President and CEO, of MNA says in some cases, donations have dropped 30 to 40 percent. She adds that federal funding has helped those groups weather the storm, but the future is still uncertain.
"Michigan nonprofits have been on the front lines, since the beginning of the pandemic " explained Joan Gustafson, External Affairs Officer, with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). "And, they are providing these essential services and more to the most vulnerable of our communities, while at the same time trying to stay afloat themselves with the same challenges as many businesses."
The Michigan Nonprofit Association, in coordination with the Council of Michigan Foundations and the United Way have also provided a valuable resource in their Giving Wisely brochure, a joint publication which helps Michigan residents make smart choices when donating during the holiday season, while also reminding residents of the importance of giving their time by volunteering.
Michigan nonprofits are struggling to do more with less resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic distress it has caused. Sarah Pinder, Engagement Director at Michigan Nonprofit Association, talks about what is at stake and how community members can pitch in and support Michigan nonprofits.
Originally published on Crain's Detroit Business on October 18, 2020.
Originally published on WDIV Local 4 on October 14, 2020.
Originally published on WGVU on October 7, 2020.