COVID-19
Nonprofit Resources

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What’s on this page:

Section 1

First Steps

There’s no doubt that this is an uncertain time for everyone, but especially nonprofits—large conferences, in-person fundraising events, and in-person training sessions are now off the table. As a nonprofit ourselves, Camber Outdoors understands the need to shift the way we reach people and tailor our programming to suit the current climate. Although the other sections in this document—“For Leadership” and “For Employees”—will also be applicable, this section includes information tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits.

The National Council of Nonprofits offers a series of steps nonprofits should take right now:

1. Keep open lines of communications with your board, employees, volunteers, donors, and the people you serve. Be transparent about your decision making.

2. Review your sick leave policy and, if possible, enhance it to provide time off for hourly employees.

3. Review your organization’s business continuity and recovery plan. If you don’t have one, Nonprofit New York has made a sample business continuity plan free for everyone to access.

4. Rather than cancel your events, can you make them virtual? Can you adapt your events, say from a climbing or hiking meet-up to a virtual support group or happy hour? For those able to make their events virtual, Higher Logic is offering its tools for free through December 31.

5. Support your employees working from home in an equitable manner; not everyone will have the same access to equipment or even a quiet space.

6. Take stock of your organization’s finances and weigh all of your options. Steve Zimmerman of Spectrum Nonprofit Services shares tips for looking at the dual bottom line for your organization: finances and impact. And Curtis Klotz of CLA takes a look at “Financial Leadership in the Face of Impossible Choices”. For nonprofits that are making difficult decisions about staffing, Curtis’s article is especially helpful.

Additionally, the SBA is working directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

7. If it makes sense for your mission, participate in public decision making by insisting you and your partners are included as local governments put together special response task forces. Nonprofits have a key role to play in disseminating information.

8. Use your platform to encourage kindness, civility, and healing. Continue to lead with inclusion, equity, and diversity, speaking out against discrimination and xenophobia.Section 2