The economic impact of the coronavirus is, understandably, receiving much attention. The stock market has seen huge declines, bars and restaurants in Washington and other states have been ordered to close all seating, and all businesses are facing uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the outbreak also is having an impact on nonprofit organizations — an impact that will linger throughout the year. Numerous Clark County charitable groups have canceled or, at best, postponed fundraising events that are essential to their operations.
According to their website, officials at Share — which provides services for homeless people — is pondering the fate of its annual Gala, scheduled for April 25. The Hough Foundation canceled its annual Paddy Hough Parade and the Historic Trust’s Marshall Leadership Awards have been canceled, as have other events.
Clark County is blessed with a robust charitable community that provides innumerable services throughout the region. Supported by donors and grants, local organizations provide assistance for homeless people, education and recreation for children, medical assistance, programs to prevent and combat substance abuse, mental health counseling, clothing and meals for those in need … and the list goes on. Basically, they provide services that make a place a community, rather than just somewhere to live.
Of course, Clark County nonprofits are not alone in facing an uncertain future because of the disruption created by the coronavirus. As The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports, economic downturns inevitably trickle down to organizations that serve our neediest citizens.
Last week, it reported: “Nobody knows whether the economy will face as deep a struggle as it did in 2008, a year when charitable giving plunged 5.7 percent, according to ‘Giving USA,’ the steepest decline since it began its survey in 1956.”
That uncertainty applies to all aspects of our daily lives. Economically, it applies to retirement savings, employment numbers and questions about how quickly businesses can return to normal once the threat of COVID-19 has lessened. Each of those issues also impact local nonprofits.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy quotes one nonprofit CEO as predicting the downturn will be a one-time event while urging nonprofits to avoid laying off staff: “It’s too soon to say we’re in for a long, tough road, and it’s too risky to erode your ability to deliver on needed programs,” Jerry Hauser of the Management Center in Washington, D.C., said. “This is a good time for organizations to consider using their reserves, something I’m usually very cautious about.”
The dichotomy is that when there is an economic downturn and donors have less money to give, that is when the need is greatest. With workers being temporarily displaced by business closures or a reduction in customers, many of them will require assistance to pay for necessities. The federal government is taking steps to boost the economy and to support small businesses, but nonprofits often are an afterthought.
We hope that Clark County residents keep that front of mind during these chaotic and confusing times. If you typically donate to an organization you believe in, keep it in mind this year — particularly those that have canceled fundraising events.
Despite the urgency created by the coronavirus and the need for medical care, a vaccine and economic stability on a global scale, pressing needs remain in Clark County. Charity, after all, begins at home.
