The holiday season is one of giving. It’s a time when we think of others rather than focusing on just ourselves. COVID has done a number the last couple of years on fundraising efforts of some very worthwhile charities. Organizations that have had to cancel galas, events, and gatherings to ensure the safety of everyone. Please don’t forget those charities this year that depend on us as a community to come together to help others.

According to an article in The Nonprofit Times, “Managers at more than 42% of charities provide direct services to those affected by the pandemic and are facing a steep decline in contributions and increased costs.” 

It’s not just monetary concerns that are affecting these charities. According to the Nonprofit Times, “broken supply chains, staffing, and operational inefficiencies, government and travel restrictions and an inability to meet the expectations of those served.” Unfortunately, those are some of the hindrances that most organizations are finding themselves in.

According to a recent article in the LA Times, “Charities that rely on in-person programming are among the hardest hit during the pandemic. That’s the theaters, the museums, the music centers, in addition to after-school programs and senior centers. “They’re not able to have either their earned income, like ticket sales to their museum or [in-person] fundraising events.”

The Times goes on to explain that “many charities are also low on in-person volunteers. Something we’re really concerned about is how many nonprofits have just lost the ability to attract the volunteers that they have in the past.”

The LA Times further reminds us that “people still need to be aware of scams when considering a charitable gift. It’s an issue in all disasters, including this disaster, because disaster brings the crooks out. These crooks create nonprofits with names that sound like they might be similar to an organization you might have heard of… Make A Wish and veterans organizations and food banks are just plagued with crooks creating copycat organizations.”

To keep you and your donation safe, according to the LA Times, “is to give to a nonprofit that you know, donating to nonprofits based in your community and to places you’ve volunteered in the past. You can also ask your friends and family if they know of a reputable organization in need.”

In a recent CNBC Report, People 65 and older were less likely to engage in giving during this pandemic than younger people, noting that older people typically give more.

“But the uniqueness of the pandemic and ensuing economic fallout changed the calculation for older Americans. Not only might they have been worried about contracting the virus, but they may also have had more concerns about their financial outlook. Thus, making them less likely to give.” 

CNBC goes on to say that “young people were possibly feeling like they were more in a position to contribute especially when they realized the additional ways they could give back beyond the traditional ones.”

“Millennials and Gen Z might not have select charities they give to each month, but it’s possible they were more inclined to be convinced by social media or news reports to buy local.” 

Here are some of our local non-profits to consider!   
NON-PROFITS