TORONTO – A new survey has found that Ontario’s 58,000 non-profits and charities across the province are facing a triple threat as a result of COVID-19.
Close to 75 per cent of organizations have abruptly lost revenue from fundraising activities, while 73% grapple with the closure of offices and cancellation of programs and services, and over a third face unprecedented human resource challenges with staff and volunteers.
The data comes from a provincial survey by the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN).
Non-profit leaders are concerned about the safety of their employees, many of whom are frontline staff with insufficient access to personal protective equipment. Leaders are also worried about the capacity of their organizations to carry out their missions amid the crisis.
“Every part of our sector is affected,” said Cathy Taylor, executive director of ONN.
“Non-profits exist to serve others and Ontario communities will suffer if non-profits don’t survive and thrive now and beyond this crisis. Relief can’t come soon enough.”
However, even in the face of challenging times non-profits remain resilient and innovative, working on the frontlines to support their communities.
Almost 50% are open and operating, but with modified regular operations, and in some cases moving to online operations.
ONN is calling for governments to provide stabilization funding for the nonprofit sector, flexibility in public and private funding agreements, immediate assistance for operating expenses, including rent and mortgage relief, and paid sick leave and other worker supports.
Key findings from survey
Almost 20% of non-profits have closed their doors – at least for now – because of the pandemic, or are making plans to do so.
Over three-quarters of respondents have experienced disruption of services to clients and communities
Almost 75% have seen reduced revenue from fundraising, with the hard-hit arts sector reporting an 81% reduction in ticket and event sales
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will cost almost half of the organizations $50,000 to $250,000 each.
Of those continuing operations, almost 22% will need less than $50,000 to maintain operations and meet demand during the pandemic, while 17%will need $50,000 to $100,000
Nonprofits are experiencing staff and volunteer absences of 35%.
One third of respondents indicated their organization has either reduced hours for workers or have laid off staff.
Rural organizations are uniquely affected, with some identifying further social isolation because of the lack of transportation, and the lack of reliable internet access and suitable bandwidth.
