GUELPH – The People and Information Network (PIN) launched a Community Benefit Sector Survey this fall to understand the impact of COVID-19 locally.
“The survey clearly showed a number of key findings,” said executive director Kim Cusimano:
– 43.8 per cent have had decreased revenue from earned income;
– 53.1% noted reduced revenue from fundraising (eg. cancelled events, donations) and potential estimated loss of budgeted revenue of over $5 million;
– 65% increase in costs due to COVID;
– survey results indicate a 62% reduction in volunteer involvement; and
– 55% disruption of services for clients and community coupled with 40.63% increased demand for service
“It’s a precarious landscape with 30% of organizations reporting reserves of three to six months and 35% for six to 12 months, organizations are faced not only with immediate concerns of survival, organizations continue to note significant impact within nine to 12 months and a slightly higher amount noting one to two years,” Cusimano said.
Why is this important?
“You do not need to look far to see how the community benefit sector contributes to our towns and cities, and to our families, our children and ourselves,” said Cusimano.
“Coaching your children’s sports team, your grandfather’s weekly friendly visitor, driving your mom for her cancer appointments, supporting food insecurity, accessing health services and housing, engaging in faith, arts and culture and more; nonprofits and charities are woven into our lives.”
With the evolving realities, organizational capacity and in some cases volunteers not able to engage in virtual volunteering, survey results indicate an overall decline in formal volunteerism.
“Volunteer support to roles with high levels of interaction were initially suspended,” said Cusimano. “In some cases, those roles could transition to virtual but there are gaps where virtual support is not the right fit.”
While nearly a quarter of organization respondents are feeling overwhelmed with increased demand, less volunteers and reductions in staff, the sector continues to be positive with 62% of respondents optimistic.
“Nonprofits and charities have long been pioneers of positivity,” Cusimano said. “The sector has a long history of creativity, innovation and resiliency but they need the help of our communities.”
With a month left to give to the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin campaign, and Guelph Gives along with Giving Tuesday on Dec. 1, the community is called to action.
“The community benefit sector forms the foundation of supports contributing to the health and well-being of communities and powered by a valuable volunteer human resource,” Cusimano said.
Need inspiration to give?
“Visit the Holiday Giving Guide at PINnetwork.ca for a listing of meaningful ways to give back this season and consider how you can help now and into the future,” she said.
Donate or volunteer
“Get involved with your local neighbourhood group, donate to the charity of your choice, volunteer,” said Cusimano.
“Become a Snow Angel with your family, sponsor a family this holiday, donate blood, volunteer as a COVID Community Changemaker – so many ways and you can choose the way you give. We all have the ability to contribute to the kind of community we want to live, work and play in.”
“Your community; our community, from nonprofits and charities to local business, neighbours to strangers, the pandemic is calling upon us to show up with kindness and generosity of spirit and giving.”
To view the report, visit PINnetwork.ca.
