In the wake of COVID-19, we wanted to share with you a list of nonprofits that you can support, if so inclined, that not only support those fighting the virus but help everyone affected by the fallout of this global pandemic.
From school closings and organizations moving to telework options, to hospitals at capacity and a shortage of food shelf items, everyone is seeing the effect of coronavirus—our nonprofit community and those they serve are no exception.
If you are looking for ways to help, take a look at the list we compiled, below, and lend a hand (or donation) if you are able.
Support those on the front lines
You’ve likely heard and read many articles during this time from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). As the leading national public health institute in the country, this federal agency is funded, in part, by the CDC Foundation. Donations to this organization help to accelerate the work of the CDC, currently working on additional testing capabilities for COVID-19.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is another organization that you’ve probably been following during this time. You can support their initiatives here as part of the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, created by the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.
Support your local food bank
While relief efforts are still being finalized by our national government, there are still children who are not getting daily lunches due to schools being closed. Families are also missing paychecks that they depend on for family expenses and as such, food insecurity is a big issue. You can find and give to your local food bank here. While food donations are good, monetary donations are even better as the organizations are able to buy in bulk and at discounted rates, making those donation dollars stretch farther.
If you do not have a food bank in your area, here are four charities that we work with that we recommend:
Support charities that have closed or canceled events
Events in our nation and across the world are being canceled daily. As new guidelines for group gatherings continue to be updated, some nonprofits are experiencing a blow to fundraising as they’ve had to cancel large galas, fundraising events, walks, etc. For many small nonprofits, these are their biggest moneymakers and this loss can be devastating—both to the organization financially and to the communities they serve.
Museums have closed their doors. Healthcare service organizations have had to limit services. Team members are working from home with limited hours.
If there was a nonprofit event you were planning to attend, consider giving them a donation instead. And, if you’re not sure who has closed their doors or had to cancel events, we have a few good causes that you could offer your support to in those areas:
Support our hospitals, clinics and healthcare professionals
There are many nonprofit hospitals and clinics, much of which are seeing an increase in patients and are serving communities with those who lack proper insurance. These organizations are in need of support—for their employees on the front lines of the crisis, for supplies and for additional resources. Consider visiting the websites of those that serve healthcare services in your community. Find your local healthcare center here or, make a donation to any of the medical-related organizations below who are in need of support:
Support nonprofits that provide services to the elderly
The very young, those with compromised immune systems and those over the age of 60 are most vulnerable to this disease. And, the elderly can also be most vulnerable to the isolation that comes with social distancing. Many senior centers have closed, and nursing homes have enforced a no visitors policy. This is a lonely time for those affected in these areas. Meals on Wheels is a great option to donate to as well as Love for the Elderly.
Other options in this space include visiting nurse organizations and home health aides, hospices and nonprofit nursing homes. A few that come to mind include:
- Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County
- Circle of Life Hospice
- Southwest Christian Care
- Palm Village Retirement Community
In times of turmoil and uncertainty, staying positive and providing help as you can is a way to keep spirits up and make it through. If you are in good health, you can also consider giving blood as blood donations are also down. You can also find your local blood drive via the Red Cross website.
Stay positive!
