Emergency Response to COVID-19 for Nonprofit Organizations

COVID-19 has put life on pause, not just in the physical sense but also in the sense that the pressure to continue to provide help and serve communities is more present than ever. The Leadership and Community Vitality Team with Penn State Extension has the goal to provide nonprofit organizations with resources and guidance through these times of stress. Our collaborative response is continually changing with the fluid nature of this crisis. We recognize your efforts and have collected a bank of resources to help guide you through recruiting volunteers while social distancing, seeking funding, connecting with your community, and working from home.

*updated April 13, 2020

Actions you can take to keep your organization healthy

1. Plan to Work Remotely

Create a telework option for employees and volunteers. This action protects the health and well-being of those who support the organization, and it provides an option for employees to not have to draw on sick or vacation leave.

Some considerations:

• Keep Calm and Communicate On(line) - written by Penn State Extension Educator Linda Falcone offers guidance.
• Not all employees have the same work-from-home environment. Many employees are telecommuting and homeschooling, some may have limited broadband capacity, or they may not have the proper equipment needed for telecommuting. Be flexible.

Resources for nonprofits working online:

• Dropbox Premium, a cloud storage service, offers 3-month special access for nonprofits, NGO's, and educators who are managing the COVID-19 crisis.
• Microsoft Teams, a shared workspace software that integrates Office 365 with chat and file storage, is committed to helping nonprofits at this time and is offering teams free of cost for 6 months.
• G Suite for Nonprofits, a package of business apps like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and Hangouts Meet that can help staff and volunteers collaborate on projects while remaining socially distant, is offering free Basic accounts to nonprofits that meet their eligibility requirements.
• GoTo Meeting, a video conferencing software, offers support to communities and customers during the COVID-19 crisis.
• Zoom, a video conferencing software, offers basic plans for free or more advanced options for a fee. Worried about hackers, learn how to keep uninvited guests out of your zoom room.

2. Communicate, Stay Connected and Be Transparent

Staying engaged with employees, volunteers, and recipients of your organization's services is more important than ever. Be clear by communicating what challenges the organization is facing and allow opportunities for individuals to share stories of their struggles.

• Keep sharing your story.
• Create a community social media group where you can share stories by highlighting the great work that is continuing.
• Issue a press release to a local newspaper or radio station.
• Build trust by staying engaged within the community.
• Remember we are all first responders.

3. Take time to train volunteers at a distance.

• Create easy-to-read FAQ sheets for quick reference on safety precautions.
• Create online video training series for volunteers so they can easily access information.
• Create virtual volunteer opportunities for your organization to continue to serve your community.
• Encourage volunteers and board members to take external trainings on how to virtually meet.

4. Prepare for the next challenge or crisis.

While we hope that the punches soon slow down, it is wise to take time to reflect on how your organization responded. Keep record of what worked and what failed. Use these lessons to prepare for the future. Remember to celebrate when you have individual or organizational successes!

5. Be mindful and remember to take health breaks

Recommended informational sources

Associations and Organizations

The National Council of Nonprofits - (Council of Nonprofits) is a trusted resource and proven advocate for America's charitable nonprofits. Connecting the policy dots across all levels and branches of governments, the Council of Nonprofits keeps nonprofits informed and empowered to create a positive public policy environment that best supports nonprofits in advancing their missions. Working with and through the nation's largest network of nonprofits--with 25,000-plus organizational members--we identify emerging trends, share proven practices, and promote solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the communities they serve.

Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) - The Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations is a statewide membership organization serving the community benefit sector through advocacy, education, and support to improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania.

Funding Resources

There are significant funding resources available to nonprofit organizations through the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ( Act S. 748: The CARES Act ). Organizations that are eligible to apply for this funding are hospitals, religious organizations, schools, social support programs, and small businesses among others.

*USDA has organized a resource list to connect you to the most up-to-date information related to technical assistance and available funding for businesses, organizations and local governments in response to COVID-19. 

Types of funding available for nonprofit organizations (as the 1,000-page bill become s clearer, we will provide updates as they become available):

• Emergency Small Business Loans
• Charitable Giving Incentive
• Self-Funded Nonprofits and Unemployment
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
• Employee Retention Payroll Tax Credit
• Industry Stabilization Fund

Consider other means of raising resources:

• Ask for cash donations.
• Transition to on line service provision.
• Example: Museums, heritage, and historical sites provide virtual tours of their facilities and collections.
• Seek emergency grant funding.
• Create on-line donation pathways or utilize crowdfunding platforms such as --
• Go fundme
• Indiegogo
• Kickstarter
• donorbox
• Network for Good

Other Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

• File a BCO-10 with the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations ; comply with PA Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act, 10 P. S. § 162.1 et seq.
• If you don't have one, check out Creating a non-profit business plan from donorbox: Nonprofit Business Plan Template.

Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 crisis, this information will be updated regularly.

Follow us on the Penn State Extension website for Available Training for Communities and Nonprofit Organizations. Here are some current courses that may be of interest.

• Penn State Extension Online grant writing course and Grant Writing Workshop Supplement
• Create a non-profit organization strategic plan -- Choosing our Direction