The Economy: Nonprofits Step Up To the Challenge
by: yourPBC.org on Friday, May 01 2009
The stats are bleak:
- The unemployment rate has doubled in both Palm Beach and Martin counties.
- So have requests for all types of economic assistance.
- More than 6,000 children of working poor parents are on a waiting list for child care.
Nearly 9 of every 10 nonprofits responding to the January Nonprofits/Economy survey felt some sense of vulnerability if the economy didn’t turn around soon. Organizations are cutting expenses, increasing fund-raising activities and making changes in staffing as needed. The survey found more than 25 per cent of organizations have experienced negative cash flow in the past year. Many borrowed money to stabilize cash flow, make payroll or cover benefits. “Funding for operating expenses and the need for donor support emerged as major challenges for nonprofit organizations,” said Eric Kelly of Allegany Franciscan Ministries, a survey cosponsor. In the Glades communities, the network of assistance providers has been greatly weakened. “We had three positions out here that assisted residents in accessing services [two at the Health Care District and one at Catholic Charities], and now all three are gone,” said Karis Engle of the Glades Initiative. “These are people who many relied on to provide services.” Now comes the response: Four local funders have stitched together a $1 million fund called the Safety Net and are challenging the community throughout the month of May to step up and match their combined stake at www.safetynetchallenge.org
The resulting dollars will provide one-time grant awards to a limited number of 501 (c) 3 charities and agencies serving Palm Beach and Martin counties working to meet the community’s growing demand for food, healthcare, shelter and childcare services.
That Safety Net reassurance is mirrored by the assured work of YourPBC.org partners Nonprofits First and the Children’s Services Council. Example: In late April, the partners combined to draw 100 executive directors and senior board leaders to a gathering offering survival tools and techniques in tough economic times.
The takeaway message: Use the economic slump as a wakeup call. Make it an opportunity. Review your mission and stick to it. Collaborate, consolidate and continue to review.
Nonprofits First and its staff of 22 steps up in these tough times by offering leadership development, education and management services to the county’s nonprofits; that’s a pool approaching 7,000 tax-exempt organizations. The organization offers integrated solutions for nonprofits: training, IT services, board development, financial management, consulting services and a rigorous certification program.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 303 nonprofit organizations served
- 72 certified nonprofit organizations
- 5 financial management clients
- 33 core competency trainings
- 537 education participants
- 22 IT clients
Nonprofits First’s Pedro del Sol says it’s all about quality and accountability: “It’s one thing for nonprofits to do good,” he says. “It’s another thing to do it well, and we’re here to help nonprofits succeed in the 21st century.”
Everyone can help the Palm Beach County Nonprofits make a difference by donating at www.safetynetchallenge.org or by contributing to their nonprofit or charity of choice.
Categories: Health, Economy, Family,
Topics: economy,
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