As the year draws to a close, nonprofits across the country are taking stock of their ability to continue serving communities in 2021 and beyond.

According to a report from the Center for Civil Social Studies, the nonprofit sector lost over 900,000 jobs nationwide since February, a 7.3% decline. Those impacted the most include workers in nonprofit healthcare, education, social assistance and arts and culture organizations.

To better understand the state of the sector in Michigan, the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) has launched a survey asking nonprofit leaders to share insights on the impacts of COVID-19, particularly on their organizations’ financial stability.

While MNA says early results shared in the survey that’s still open look promising, many are concerned for the long-term sustainability of their organizations through the pandemic.

“We’re finding at this very moment, that in terms of financials, nonprofits are okay,” Donna Murray-Brown, MNA’s president and CEO said. “Things aren’t great—obviously—but, overall, they’re managing. Some nonprofits applied for grants previously and that funding has carried them through this year. I am concerned about next year. There is a lot of uncertainty about 2021 and the year after that.”

While some have indicated they have obtained enough funding to stay in operation through the end of the year, the negative impacts of canceled fundraising events are still being felt.

Organizations on the front lines in their communities—particularly food banks, youth centers and other community-based support organizations— have been stretched thin by the increased need for services.

Nonprofit closures could have detrimental effects on Michigan communities, especially those with high populations of marginalized people.

“As we move farther along into 2021, we will likely see some nonprofits dissolve,” Murray-Brown said. Communities of color are typically those that need resources that nonprofits provide—and what concerns me when it comes to closures is—how we can support those marginalized communities that relied on those services?”

As the holiday season dawns, nonprofits are eager to engage in fundraising efforts to support their long-term sustainability.

Giving Tuesday—slated for December 1, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving—is a nationwide campaign that promotes giving to nonprofit and charitable organizations after Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending. Since 2012, nonprofit organizations have utilized special campaigns to promote donations to prepare for the next calendar year.

According to Murray-Brown, Giving Tuesday is a unique opportunity for Michiganders to support organizations they care about at a time when they need it most.

“With Giving Tuesday coming up, I want people to recognize how utterly important it is for them to continue to donate to their favorite organizations and even support a new organization,” she said. “This is an opportunity for donors to have a direct impact and maybe even give a little more this year because the demand and need are greater.”

Want more?

Read the Center for Civil Social Studies’ report on the state of the nonprofit sector.

Share MNA’s Nonprofit COVID-19 Impact Survey with your nonprofit partners to ensure MNA and our community of philanthropy receive comprehensive information on the needs of nonprofits in our state.

Learn more about Giving Tuesday and download the nonprofit social media kit.