Pictured above: Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund. | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
In times of crisis, nonprofit organizations are some of the first to respond. Whether it be a natural or human-generated disaster, charities step in to serve both the immediate and long-term needs of those affected. While governmental agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will direct disaster relief funding, they will often contract with nonprofits in order to provide required services. It is common for governments to contract with nonprofits in non-crisis times as well. Additionally, nonprofits are uniquely positioned to inspire, accept and deploy charitable donations from people and organizations that want to help. In short, nonprofits are a critical element of crisis response.
It is the purpose and function of the nonprofit sector to bridge the gap between the government and the needs of the public, both on a regular basis to foster a civil society and in response to disaster.
Under normal circumstances, nonprofits rely on various revenue streams: grants from government sources, charitable contributions, earned income like ticket sales, gift shop sales and service fees, and grants from foundations and other funders. Depending on their mission and organizational structure, a nonprofit may count on certain funding streams more than others.
Whether due to a crisis event or a dramatic decrease in their funding sources, nonprofits will appeal to individual and corporate donors to help them sustain their mission and continue their work. During periods of funding uncertainty or disaster, you can help nonprofits weather the storm.
For additional guidance around how you can give in a meaningful and responsive way during times of crisis, please visit cnycf.org/ disaster, email us at donorsupport@cnycf.org or call us at 315.422.9538 and ask to speak to a member of the Philanthropic Services Team.
In 2023, two-thirds of U.S. nonprofits from a nationally representative panel study received at least one government grant or contract, resulting in the average nonprofit generating one-quarter of its revenue from government sources that year. (Urban Institute, 2024)
Below are some suggestions for how you can help:
ASK ORGANIZATIONS WHAT THEY NEED.
Get to know the staff at the organizations you care about. Talk with them. They know best where the gaps are and what challenges are on the horizon.
GIVE EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
Donors often concentrate their charitable contributions during the last quarter of the calendar year because it naturally aligns with holidays that inspire the giving spirit. But in times of crisis, urgency is key.
ALLOW YOUR GIFT TO BE USED WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST.
The less restrictive your contribution is, the more impact it can have, especially during a crisis.
