Donors Urged to Keep Supporting Nonprofits Forced to Postpone or Cancel Fundraisers

Portland, OR. If you’re planning on attending a spring gala, taking a benefit walk, or participating in any other nonprofit fundraiser, please check the nonprofit’s website before you head out. With Governor Kate Brown ordering no gatherings of more than 250 people in Oregon for four weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, most big spring events are on hold. (Photo above is from Human Solutions which provides shelter and/or housing to over 1,000 local families, including over 400 homeless children.)

“Nonprofits are getting crunched between two colliding forces: dramatically increased demand for their services and likely significant declines in resources – and from what we’re already hearing, it will get much worse before it gets better,” said National Council of Nonprofits President and CEO Tim Delaney. “People will be turning to nonprofits for all manner of assistance but nonprofits will be facing down canceled fundraising events, reduced staffing, fewer volunteers, and reductions in other giving because people will have less to give.”

If you need to contact an organization, here’s a link to our Portland Society Page webpage with a list of most local nonprofits: https://www.portlandsocietypage.com/partners/

Virtually all local nonprofits are effected, like NW Dance Project. Administrators are reaching out with messages to supporters like this:

“NW Dance Project and most other arts organizations have no contingency budgets in the case of health emergencies like this. It is impossible to close any business without creating hardships for the organization, our cherished artists, and our small dedicated staff. Your support is critical as we navigate these challenges. For those willing to make a charitable contribution, please know that your gifts will help us get through this challenging time. Supportive, fully tax-deductible donations of support can be made on via the button below, our website, and HERE.”

Friends of the Children leaders made a similar appeal:

My message to you all is this – we need you more than ever! Our youth and families need us more than ever! Through this uncertainty, we are building community in different ways but with the same relentless focus on the core of our mission. No matter what, we will continue to serve the youth in our program with grit, hope, perseverance, and love! Click here to donate today and join us in our unrelenting support of our youth. 

If you have a benefit that has been rescheduled or a nonprofit you regularly support consider reaching out to the organization to check in. This is an unprecedented and ever-changing community crisis and local nonprofits appreciate your continued understanding, patience, and support.

Thank you,

Elisa Klein – Editor, Portland Society Page