Resources for Nonprofits During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The shutdown of communal life to slow the spread of COVID-19 has created challenges for society that few of us have ever faced. Nonprofits are being affected in many different ways.
MCF continues to work to provide support for the organizations in our community, and will provide $4 million in endowment distributions to Fundholders by the end of March. We are also supporting the health and human services needs our community faces through the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund, which is being administered by the United Way of Dane County (UWDC). And finally, to meet the needs of nonprofits not covered by UWDC's effort, MCF has created the MCF COVID-19 Priority Fund to help support the unanticipated needs of many organizations, including those operating in the arts, environment, and other fields.
Record Volunteer Hours
Public Health Madison & Dane County is asking all nonprofits working on the response to COVID-19 to track volunteer hours. These hours can be used as a local match for FEMA reimbursement funds. While the structure of the reimbursement system is not yet known, the documentation will be important and cannot be created retroactively. You can use this form or create your own system. We'll provide more information as it becomes available.
Here are some resources to help nonprofits weather this crisis. We will add to this list as we learn about new resources.
CARES Act Information and Analysis
National Resources
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has put together a special report, "Help for Nonprofits During the Coronavirus and Uncertain Economic Times," for nonprofit organizations with information to help nonprofits plan and prepare for the impact of the coronavirus on their operations.
Bloomerang
Bloomerang, a donor-management software company, has put together a page of resources that includes a section of case studies and examples of fundraising and emergency appeals, and a number of on-demand webinars for nonprofits.
BoardSource
BoardSource has made it's members-only "Ask the Expert" service available to the entire nonprofit community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State and County Resources
Wisconsin Humanities Council
The Wisconsin Humanities Council recently announced that a portion of the $75 million set aside as part of the CARES Act for the National Endowment for the Humanities will be distributed to state humanities councils to respond to needs in their states. Visit their page for updates and to learn more.
Dane County Extension Community Development
The Dane County Extension Division has put together a resource page for nonprofit organizations that includes helpful information about sustainability, conducting effective online meetings, and resources for arts organizations.
Otto Bremer Trust Emergency Fund
In response to COVID-19, the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) has established a $50 million emergency fund through its Community Benefit Financial Company (CBFC) subsidiary to provide financial support to Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Montana nonprofits and other community organizations impacted by and responding to the pandemic.
Resources for Arts Organizations
The Wisconsin Arts Board
The Wisconsin Arts Board's COVID-19 and the arts in Wisconsin page contains resources for arts organizations, including information about their advocacy efforts.
Americans for the Arts
Americans for the Arts is a national advocacy group for the arts. They are gathering stories of impact and advocating for supporting arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HERE TO HELP
Tom Linfield
(608) 232-1763 Email Tom