COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits

Walking Through COVID-19 Together

In a crazy time where situations are constantly changing and headlines on the news can be overwhelming, here at Angel Oak Creative, we want to offer a beacon of hope for our nonprofit community. That’s why we pulled together a list of some awesome resources for nonprofits to turn to for guidance on handling the impact of COVID-19 on their teams, donors and stakeholders. And, as we’ve declared 2020 to be the year of encouragement (and we meant it!), we’ve also put together ways that you can support your nonprofit community during this time. Use this evolving resource list to be encouraged and to share with others. We’re all in this together!

Leading Your Teams, Donors and Stakeholders through COVID-19:

Below is a list of blogs and resources from some of our trusted partners, like-minded organizations and fabulous clients that include tips and advice for nonprofits on how to handle the impact of COVID-19.

• Bloomerang, Raising Funds in Tough Times: This article (which was resurfaced since the 2008 recession) talks about the surprising phenomenon of people giving more to the organizations they care most about during difficult times. 
• Breakthrough Fundraising Group, How to Mobilize Volunteers to Maximize Nonprofit Fundraising during COVID-19: Read these 5 quick tips for mobilizing your most committed champions during the crisis: your volunteers.
• DickersonBakker, Major Gifting during COVID-19, parts 1 and parts 2: Read how this crisis could actually be an opportunity for deeper engagement and greater support: “Your organization is a long-term and proven solution; COVID-19 is a short-term crisis.”
• Gail Perry, If You Have to Cancel Your Event Because of Coronavirus: This guide helps you to navigate through canceling your events while still fostering engagement: “Now, more than ever, it is important to connect, reconnect, and engage even more deeply – everyone.”
• GGM Nonprofit Consulting, How to Lead Your Nonprofit During a Pandemic: These are some rock solid tips on how to successfully lead your organization over the next few months, focusing on staff needs, reviewing organizational plans and clear communication.
• Hootsuite: Want to keep your social media communication seamless during this chaotic time? Through July 1, Hootsuite is giving away access to Hootsuite Professional and tools to small businesses and nonprofits, helping them stay better connected to their communities!

• Institute of Net has started a blog page to help nonprofits navigate event planning and development building, despite the pandemic. Check out their webinars page to watch past webinars like “Development and Fundraising Events while Social Distancing.” 

• MobileCause, 5 Steps to the Perfect Virtual Fundraising Event Program: Download the ebook to find out the essentials for setting up and building an impactful virtual program.

• moss+ross, Practical Advice in Uncertain Times: In the midst of this unpredictable occurrence, it’s important to be patient and optimistic. Check out these eleven great pieces of advice for nonprofit management and fundraising during uncertain times and how to adjust goals to meet current circumstances.
• Nonprofit Quarterly, How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19: President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, Tim Delaney, shares insights about how nonprofits can take advantage of new federal legislation relating to coronavirus to advance their missions.
• Prosper Strategies, Your Nonprofit’s Coronavirus Crisis Communications Checklist: This useful one-page checklist of best practices for crisis communications helps nonprofits assess the specific things they should be communicating both internally and externally. 

• Pursuant, COVID-19 Fundraising Resources: A useful guide to help solve your toughest fundraising challenges, even in the uncertainty of these times. Check out their podcasts, blogs and resources! Worried about making payroll? Under the $2 Trillion Dollar CARE Act, nonprofits can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program here.

Supporting Nonprofits during COVID-19:

If you’re sitting on your couch, wondering how you can help out your community during this time, we’ve done the research for you! Check out these ways you can support and encourage your nonprofit community. 

Food:

• Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC: Donations and volunteers are two of their greatest needs right now. Their site is constantly being updated with the latest ways to give help and find help, so keep an eye on it. 
• Frankie Lemmon Foundation, NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund: The Foundation partnered with chef Ashley Christensen to start a fund supporting those who are dealing with wage disruption or layoffs in the Triangle (and across the state) restaurant industry due to coronavirus-based closings.
• High School OT Helps – This Facebook Fundraiser is working to ensure all students receive meals while school is closed. Donating even just $1 can help fund five meals. 
• North Raleigh Ministries Food Pantry: Read North Raleigh Ministries’ Facebook post for more information on how individuals in need of emergency food can access and donate to their food pantry.

  • • WRAL wrote an article on how North Raleigh Ministries is in need of financial donations in order to fill their empty cupboards and freezers.

• Raleigh Dream Center is responding to the growing needs in Wake County to help those who normally rely on the school systems for meals. Find out more ways that you can help in their efforts here!
• Urban Ministries of Wake County is continuing to operate their food pantry each day, with safe modifications in place such as serving clients in their cars. Currently, the best way to give to the pantry is through monetary donations. Find out more in their blog!

Monetary:

• CORRAL, Pandemic Parenting 101: This local nonprofit wants to help you turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth with your family. Check out their blog with some tips and tricks when it comes to dealing with teenagers, and considering donating to them to help keep their work afloat during this uncertain time.
• Durham Public Schools Foundation: Donations to this foundation provide necessary funds for supporting critical needs identified by DPS and community partners, such as meals and remote learning resources. 
• Healing Transitions is keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 outbreak and they’ve compiled an up-to-date list of FAQs regarding their specific updates and needs. The best ways you can get involved today are through 1. Donating Financially, 2. Donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), individually wrapped snacks, staple pantry items, water and other items and 3. Simply by offering encouragement and friendship!
• Shield NC, Internet Safety Campaign: As the world adjusts to having more children at home and on their computers, there’s a probable rise in the efforts of traffickers and internet crimes to target vulnerable individuals in the coming months. Help Shield NC (by giving) to produce an Internet Safety Campaign to bring awareness and combat these risks.
• United Way of the Greater Triangle, Rapid Response Fund: Help provide Greater Triangle residents with emergency food, hygiene, childcare and housing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clothing:

• The Durham Bulls are partnering with United Way of the Greater Triangle to sell some awesome “Wash your horns” t-shirts, with all proceeds going toward the Rapid Response Fund! Consider purchasing one today!
• Note in the Pocket: In addition to continuing to accept clothing donations at their donation center and remote locations, Note in the Pocket is accepting food donations for those affected by school closings at their Volunteer Center, 5100 Lacy Avenue, Raleigh 27609, between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.
• Check out The Raleigh Tee, an incredible t-shirt campaign that has taken off in just a matter of days! This project aims to support music venue and restaurant employees that have either lost wages or lost their jobs entirely due to COVID-19. 100% of the profits will be split evenly between the NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund and the Raleigh Music Venue Employee Fund. Let’s support our great community!

More Resources:

• Activate Good, How to Help Triangle Area Causes: Looking for ways that you and/or your organization can either receive or offer help? Here’s a list to find out more about the local needs and available resources in the Triangle. 
• Band Together NC also compiled a list of organizations that you can “help from home.” Check it out!

• Mission Triangle, Current Nonprofit Needs During the COVID-19 Crisis: A page designed to inform the Triangle community of specific nonprofits’ needs and causes to give toward.

• National Christian Foundation, 19 Simple Ways to Love Your Neighbor Right Now: They’re taking a creative perspective with ideas on how to love and serve your neighbors well during the coming days.

• NC Center for Nonprofits Nonprofit Pandemic Resources: This one-stop shop from the NCCNP shares updates and resources to help you take steps to safeguard your employees, operations and NC communities. Take their brief COVID-19 survey on the needs of your organization so that they are in the best position to provide assistance to your nonprofit and those you serve.

If you want to share ways we can help your nonprofit, resources that have been helpful for your organization or simply stories of encouragement and hope, reach out to us here and tell us all about it – and don’t forget to use #yearofencouragement!