One in five non-profits face closure due to COVID-19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New research reveals the impact of COVID-19 so far

VICTORIA, BC – Non-profit organizations across BC are at risk. 15-19% of non-profits face closure and 23% feel they may not last more than 6 months. Arts organizations, sports and recreation groups, environmental organizations and social service agencies may disappear in the next few months, says a report from Vantage Point and the Victoria and Vancouver Foundations. In a survey completed by over 1000 non-profits across the province, it is clear that up to 20% of the sector may not survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our sector fills the gap between government and the private sector,” says Alison Brewin, Executive Director of Vantage Point. “After decades of focusing our resources on direct services, our capacity to be resilient, to meet the increased demand from communities for our help, non-profits and charities are digging deep to protect the needs of those we serve. And, not surprisingly, this report shows us that sector is more worried for the disruption COVID-19 has meant for those we serve than we are for ourselves. It highlights our optimism, capacity, and resilience. But we can’t do it without support.”

Some of the key findings include:

  • 74% of non-profits have experienced a decrease in funding
  • 68% have struggled to manage working from home
  • 95% report higher stress levels because of COVID

“The bottom line of this report is that many charities and frontline agencies in BC are at risk and the people and communities they serve are going to fall through the cracks if we don’t rally together to act” says Kevin McCort, CEO of Vancouver Foundation.  “Our economy will not recover without the vital services non-profit organizations provide every day. We all depend on this sector doing its part to get BC back on its feet.”

“Our most vulnerable residents rely on civil society organizations at the best of times, let alone when we’re facing something as unprecedented as the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation. “While it’s distressing to see the challenges highlighted in this report, this entire situation has been an important reminder of just how vital these organizations are and how essential it is they be able to remain stable when they’re needed most.”

The report is available for download here.

An infographic is available here.