COVID-19 Taking a Toll on Area Nonprofits

May 19, 2020, 4:26 p.m. ·

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(Image from Nonprofit Association of the Midlands report)

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The impact of COVID-19 on nonprofits in Nebraska and southwest Iowa is “severe.” That’s according to a new poll from the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands.


“Really everyone in the sector is hurting right now," said Hannah Young, policy and strategic partnerships manager for NAM.

Hannah Young, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands policy and strategic partnerships manager (courtesy photo).

CLICK HERE to see the full report from NAM's survey of nonprofits.


Visit the NET News COVID-19 page for more coverage and information.

Their survey found that almost all of the 231 organizations who responded have been impacted or expect to be impacted by COVID-19. Here are a few of the numbers from the survey:

  • These groups collectively anticipate losing $42 million in revenue.
  • 86% lost revenue because of cancelled programs or events.
  • 74% reported a disruption of services to clients and communities.
  • 86% adjusted or changed strategies.

And more than half cancelled or postponed major events or fundraisers. "That's also going to be a problem if everyone postpones to the fall or winter, or next year. There's going to be a lot more competing dollars,” Young said.

While a third described the impact of COVID-19 as "moderate" and anticipated "no long-term effect," 13 percent their "organization is in a financial crisis."

“What does that mean for those nonprofits when the recovery period starts? Are they going to merge with other nonprofits? Are they going to have to shut their doors completely?” Young said.

"It's really kind of a stark reality the nonprofits are facing," Young added. "But I also think there's a lot of hope that comes out of this. Nonprofits are being super collaborative right now and really coming together to figure out how they can help the people who need it the most. I think that is just a really awesome thing that has come out of this unfortunate situation. I think nonprofits are really doing all they can and they're really the fabric of our communities and the ones that are really holding us all together through this."