Coronavirus Resources for Nonprofit Organizations & Professionals

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we want to provide nonprofit organizations with resources they may find helpful as they navigate fundraising during a time of economic uncertainty.

We will update this list as we create new resources and source them from other trusted groups, nonprofits, and businesses.

• How Nonprofits Are Responding
• Virtual Fundraising Ideas & Tips For COVID-19
• Tips For Nonprofit Virtual Events
• Email Communication Trends
• Support For Nonprofit Professionals
• How You Can Support Coronavirus Fundraising Efforts

How Nonprofits & Other Organizations Are Responding

In a time of unprecedented challenges for nonprofits, it’s helpful to know what resources are available from other nonprofits and organizations. Several organizations have put together guides on what to do in the wake of the outbreak. We’re sharing a few of them here:

1. The Chronicle of Philanthropy
2. Council of Nonprofits
3. Washington Nonprofits

For current customers, please see Kindful’s Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak.

Jump To Top »

Virtual Fundraising

With the economic uncertainty that comes with the coronavirus outbreak, many nonprofits are left wondering how this will affect their fundraising efforts. You might be asking: Is it appropriate to ask for donations in the midst of a pandemic? Should I be reallocating my organization’s funds to populations that are affected by COVID-19? Do we need to consider alternative fundraising strategies like peer-to-peer fundraising?

If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone. This is an unprecedented time for nonprofits, and it can be hard to know how to even maintain relationships with your donors. That’s why we’re compiling our favorite resources on how to fundraise in the time of coronavirus and still be able to connect with your donors—including virtual fundraising ideas and tips.

1. 1. [Webinar] A Panel Discussion: How To Fundraise During The Coronavirus Outbreak
      In this panel discussion with industry-leading experts, we discussed the biggest trends we’ve found with traditional and online fundraising, what they’re most concerned with, and what resources they’re looking for during this time.

      Watch Now

   2. Amy Eisenstein: How To Manage Your Fundraising During the Coronavirus Crisis
      Nonprofit consultant Amy Eisenstein shares her tips on how fundraisers can adapt to connecting with their donors when face-to-face interactions are no longer possible.
   3. Gail Perry: Coronavirus and Fundraising: What to Expect and How to Prepare
      Fundraising consultant Gail Perry shares grounding and reassuring expectations for professional fundraisers.
   4. 6 Ways Fundraisers Can Connect With Their Donors Without Meeting In Person
      With restrictions on in-person events and personal meetings, most nonprofits are going to have to shift how they connect with their donors. In this article, we offer six ways you can still build relationships with your donors when you can’t meet face-to-face.
   5. Soapbox Engage: 20 Virtual Fundraising Ideas During COVID-19
      If you’re looking for some ideas to spark your creativity, Soapbox Engage updated a list of virtual fundraising ideas to help you get started. Try out one of their’s, or use it as a jumping off point for your own virtual fundraiser!
   6. Upgrade Your Virtual Fundraising Strategy With A Peer-To-Peer Campaign
      In a time when traditional fundraising strategies like in-person asks and in-person events aren’t possible, many nonprofits are turning to peer-to-peer fundraising as an alternative. We put together a guide on how you can leverage your supporters’ networks to raise funds and awareness for your organization—completely online.
   7. Snowball Fundraising: Virtual Fundraising: The Complete Guide For 2020 & Beyond
      If you’re looking for a holistic guide on all things virtual fundraising—this is it! We recommend reading this through when you have the time or bookmarking it so you can come back and reference it as needed.

Jump To Top »

Using Virtual Events Instead Of In-Person Fundraising Events

One of the most significant challenges that nonprofits have had to face with the coronavirus outbreak is changing plans for their in-person events. Oftentimes, in-person fundraising events are a significant source of funds for nonprofits, but with recommendations to limit the in-person gatherings, nonprofits have had to make changes.

One way that nonprofits are adjusting is by using online fundraising tools like virtual events to raise funds. If your organization has had to cancel an event or is considering canceling your event, we recommend these resources.

1. 1. 1. OneCause: [Webinar] The Essentials of Virtual Fundraising
         Our friends at OneCause hosted a timely webinar that will discuss how nonprofits can remain flexible in today’s changing landscape and find new ways to continue fundraising. They will discuss virtual & online as an alternative strategy to traditional events.

Watch Now

1. 1. 1. [Webinar] Turning Your Canceled Event Into A Successful Virtual Fundraising Opportunity
         We hosted four panelists who work with nonprofit organizations to share ideas for how fundraisers can shift their in-person events to virtual fundraising opportunities. The panelists include Kelly Velasquez-Hague (OneCause), Sandy Rees (Get Fully Funded), Jared Delong (Kindful), and Bradley Martin (Kindful).

         Watch Now

      2. Classy*: From In-Person to Virtual: How To Maximize Your Fundraising Event Revenue“Unforeseen and unexpected circumstances, like the evolving concerns around COVID-19 (coronavirus), can seriously limit your in-person initiatives. A virtual element allows you to keep your event up and running—and potentially even raise more money.”
      3. Pat’s Run: The Mission Will Go OnHere’s a look at how Pat Tillman Foundation* turned their in-person event into a virtual run.
      4. Get Fully Funded: How to Salvage Your Fundraising Event During the COVID 19 Crisis
         In this article, nonprofit consultant Sandy Rees shares tips and fundraising ideas for nonprofits looking to make alternative arrangements for their events.
      5. 702 Nonprofit Professionals Tell Us How COVID-19 Is Affecting Nonprofit Events [Survey Results]
         We recently surveyed 702 nonprofit professionals to see how they and their organizations are responding to COVID-19. In this article, we share how the coronavirus outbreak has affected nonprofit events. Read to the end for a free infographic download.
      6. GoFundMe Charity*: How to Host a Virtual Fundraiser or Virtual Event When Plans Change
         If you’re looking for a streamlined introduction to virtual event planning with ideas and examples, check out this resource from our friends at GoFundMe Charity.
      7. Get Fully Funded: 12 Ideas for Virtual Fundraiser and Online Events
         If you need some inspiration for your virtual event, check out this list of 12 creative virtual fundraising event ideas for nonprofits. Scroll down to #5 to see our favorite…

Jump To Top »

Nonprofit Email Communication During COVID-19

You’ve probably received dozens of emails from organizations and companies that you follow with information on how they’re responding to the coronavirus outbreak. This might leave you wondering: Does my organization need to communicate with our supporters about the coronavirus? If so, how can I stand out in their inboxes?

Here are our favorite resources on COVID email communication to help your nonprofit create a plan that’s flexible, addresses your organization’s goals, and anticipates your donors’ needs.

1. 1. 1. Nonprofit Communication Tips For The Coronavirus Outbreak
         Our four tips for communicating with your audience, including email examples from nonprofits and other companies so you can see what others are doing.
      2. Classy*: 7 Emails Your Nonprofit Can Send During the COVID-19 Outbreak
         Classy* shares seven different ways you can communicate with your audience through email (including examples).
      3. Kindful + NextAfter: The State of Nonprofit Email Cultivation
         While this comprehensive research report isn’t explicitly focused on COVID, it does provide general email principles that are critical for nonprofit email marketing. Get a free download to see insightful data including when to send emails and when to ask for donations.

         Download Email Cultivation Report

      4. NextAfter: Coronavirus Nonprofit Email Volume Trends
         From the same organization that produced The State of Nonprofit Email Cultivation, NextAfter gathered actionable data from real nonprofits to determine how the COVID outbreak is affecting nonprofit email trends.
   2. GoFundMe Charity*: How to Write a Considerate Event Cancellation Email
      Once you make alternative plans for your in-person events, you’re going to have to send the message to your donors, supporters, and volunteers that there’s been a change in plans. GoFundMe Charity makes it easy to send the right message with these tips and templates.

Jump To Top »

Support For Nonprofit Professionals

COVID-19 has upturned life across all sectors for working professionals, and that includes nonprofit workers. As you navigate shifting fundraising strategies, canceled events, and connecting with donors virtually, we want to make sure you and your team also have access to the resources that support nonprofit professionals personally and professionally. These resources provide insight and help for economic challenges, workplace disruptions, and mental health challenges that nonprofit professionals may be experiencing from the coronavirus.

Funding, Layoffs, Furloughs

1. 1. 1. GoFundMe Charity*: How to Start a Coronavirus Relief Fund for Nonprofit Employees
         Even with the help of CARES and faithful donors, times are hard for nonprofit funding. For many, this has forced pay cuts and furloughs for your team members. Here are some ways you can provide support and care for your employees who have been financially affected by COVID.
      2. Nonprofit Quarterly: It’s Different This Time: Handling Nonprofit Staff Cuts under COVID-19
         If you’re an organization leader and are experiencing a lapse in funding during COVID-19, you may be faced with the difficult decision to lay-off or furlough some of your staff. Nonprofit Quarterly shares some helpful considerations to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your team, your organization, and ultimately, your community.

Workplace Disruptions

1. 1. 1. 11 Tips For Working From Home In The Midst Of The COVID-19 Outbreak
         Many nonprofit professionals are also facing the ongoing challenges of working from home for the first time. We put together some of our team’s best tips for making the most of working remotely.
      2. Zoom Fatigue: What It Is, Why You’re Feeling It, And How You Can Fight It
         If you’re working from home, you’re probably familiar with the fatigue that comes from virtual interactions with your coworkers, beneficiaries, volunteers, and other stakeholders. Read this post for tips on coping with video call exhaustion.

Mental Health & Economic Resources

1. 1. 1. To Write Love On Her Arms: Fear Won’t Win
         This mental health nonprofit put together a landing page with self-care tips, blogs, downloads, videos, podcasts, and crisis resources that can help nonprofit professionals navigate the anxiety of living during the COVID crisis.
      2. United Way: 211.org
         If you or someone you know is in need of help, United Way’s 211 program can help connect you with service providers in your area. They can help specifically with issues like rent and mortgage payments, health insurance and medical expenses, unemployment benefits, food assistance, mental health needs, and more. You can visit their COVID-19 page for coronavirus-specific information.

Jump To Top »

How You Can Support Coronavirus Fundraising Efforts

Finally, many are simply wondering how to support the ongoing efforts to fight coronavirus. We’ve found resources that outline the organizations that are on the frontlines of the pandemic, including advice on how you can help.

1. 1. 1. 1. Classy* put together a blog post highlighting different organizations you can support.
         2. Seattle Foundation created the COVID-19 Response Fund to “provide flexible resources to organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus the economic consequences of the outbreak.”

*indicates this organization is a Kindful customer or integration partner

Jump To Top »