The current state of our shaky economy has touched all of our lives in some form or another. Some of us have been laid off or have a family member or friend who has suffered a loss of their job. Small business owners are struggling to hang in while the community cuts back on non-necessity spending. The non-profit organizations who rely on government grants, corporate funding, and donations from fundraisers are being hit hard by our countries recession in not one, but two different ways.
Non-profits are not only experiencing the loss of revenue essential to running their programs and services, they are also seeing an increase in requests for help. With the recession, organizations are receiving more requests from people who are struggling to make ends meet and provide basic needs for their family. With a decrease in donations, non-profits have to turn people away.
An example of this situation is being felt at the Desi Geestman Foundation in La Cresta, CA; whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children suffering from cancer and their families. The foundation provides environments of support that alleviate emotional and economic trauma. Illeana Geestman stated in an article in the Glendale News Press “Our donations have decreased, but yet, the needs went in the opposite direction.” This organization has experienced a drop in donations of 60-70% compared to 2008.
So the question is how do we keep Non-Profits afloat during this recession? One way is to spread awareness. In Washington State on November 13th, they are promoting a Philanthropy Day. They are calling attention to the 1,250 non-profit organizations in Whatcom community alone, which rely on donations from individuals and companies to help them provide for those in need. Stephanie Bower made the following point in an article in the Bellingham Herald “Now is the time for individuals to engage mentally, physically and financially. Who will step in to help when no one else can? These local non-profits pick up the slack. If they can't support people in these difficult times, who will?”
There are also seminars, online classes, and conference calls that are being held nationwide to help non-profits find a solution to help them bring in donations during this tough economy. One example is the seminar called “Secrets to Success” being held in Wichita Falls on November 18, 2009. This seminar will provide non-profit organizations useful tools in management and fundraising.
At the end of the day, it is the little things that can add up. Next time you go to the store, stop and give your spare change to the volunteer collecting donations at the front door. In this economy every penny counts and we can all do our part to help those who are in dire need.
Jenny Winchell is Co-Founder and CEO for JenSea Solutions, a strategic fundraising firm. She can be reached at Jenny@JenSeaSolutions.com and for more information visit www.JenSeaSolutions.com
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