How Donors Can Help Fight COVID-19
Many of the nonprofits in our community are struggling to find sufficient resources to take care of those most vulnerable during this crisis. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who have benefited from your consistent giving, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events. Generous donors can help nonprofits keep their doors open and continue to provide important services.
A mid-March 2020 survey of Utah nonprofits completed by the Utah Nonprofits Associations showed:
- 75% will have significant operations impact
- 90% are cancelling events and programming
- 67% are concerned about increased budgetary strain
- 59% have cash reserves for fewer than six months
We strongly encourage everyone to support local nonprofit organizations that work with the people and families who are most vulnerable in our community. Community health centers, homeless shelters, food pantries, and others will likely become stressed. In times like this, philanthropy can shine. Also, please remember that many nonprofits may be forced to cancel fundraisers and programs, or experience other related financial impacts from COVID-19. Unrestricted funding is particularly useful during uncertain times; it is critical Utah’s unparalleled spirit of generosity continues in the weeks and months ahead.
Keep yourself and your family healthy during this time can also help slow the spread. Use this guide from SafeHome as a reference for properly sanitizing your home.
What Populations Are Most Vulnerable
Certain populations are more at-risk than others during this outbreak. Some of the most vulnerable populations include:
Deciding How to Give
During times of crisis, unrestricted grants and donations are of critical importance so organizations have the flexibility to respond to highly dynamic situations. Additionally, if you have an ongoing restricted grant with an organization, consider removing restrictions.
Many organizations are also in desperate need of volunteers. Giving of your time may be just as valuable as your financial resources.
Deciding Where to Give
For donors wanting to give to immediate relief efforts for vulnerable populations we have identified a list of opportunities below. The Community Foundation of Utah is partnering with the United Way in support of the United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund. This fund will provide resources to organizations working with individuals who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and the potentially devastating economic consequences of the outbreak on low-income families and individuals.
If donors wish to fund organizations directly, we have provided additional recommendations below. Please note this is a rapidly evolving issue and this list is not comprehensive. We will continue updating this page as we identify additional opportunities.
- Food banks and pantries
- Community health centers
- Homeless shelters and services
As you consider donating to help fight the COVID-19, please be careful and only give to legitimate organizations. If you are not a fundholder with the Community Foundation of Utah, we recommend using GuideStar to verify the organization’s status and to view their tax form 990. To learn more about what information you can glean from a 990, please see GuideStar’s Highlights of IRS Form 990. We also encourage you to visit the organization’s website to learn more about their mission and specific programs, or contact the organization directly to understand their greatest needs.
If you would like to discuss more about how to give most meaningfully during this time, please reach out to Micaela Weil, Philanthropic Services Manager at or 801-559-3005 x4.
Community Foundation of Utah Response
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As community supporters, the Community Foundation of Utah believes our primary role and responsibility is to ensure community members are cared for during this time of uncertainty. The Community Foundation of Utah is fully prepared to continue to serve, support, and advise our donors and provide grant support to our communities, even as it becomes necessary to limit staff presence within our physical office space.
Our actions to help our community recover include:
- Granting over $2.1 million from our funds since March 1st
- Launching the Utah Community Savory Relief Pack Fund in partnership with Relief Packs, which provides meals to community healthcare workers, grocery store employees, first responders, unemployed or furloughed individuals, and others most impacted by COVID-19
- Relaxing all restrictions on grants to accommodate grantees and allow them to use funding for operations or other pressing needs
- Offering nonprofits the option to access funds from their Agency Endowments housed at the Community Foundation of Utah to meet immediate needs
- Granting extensions on current loans to nonprofit partners to address cash flow shortfalls
- Convening donors and funders to share information about community needs and understand current funding opportunities
- Encouraging Donor Advised Fund advisors to continue and even increase grantmaking, which has led to a significant increase in funding to our community
We have also joined the pledge from the Council on Foundations to act with fierce urgency to support our nonprofit partners as well as the people and communities hit hardest by the impacts of COVID-19.
If you would like to discuss more about how to give most meaningfully during this time, please reach out to Micaela Weil, Philanthropic Services Manager at or 801-559-3005 x4.
