The novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, is evolving daily and impacting trade associations and nonprofits across the United States. We are trying our best to stay current with what’s happening in Washington D.C., paying close attention to what’s being done and offered for nonprofits, especially trade associations.
What Every Association Should be Doing Today
In addition to maintaining social distancing and following the guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, associations should be actively communicating with members, boards, employees, volunteers, and vendors about the specific impact COVID-19 is having on the association.
In many cases, these communications will likely revolve around the status of scheduled events, seminars, and conferences. Transparency is of utmost importance as those affiliated with your association will be looking for answers. Because this pandemic is affecting the global population and has, unfortunately, hit everyone here in the U.S. pretty hard, people understand the need for scaling back and rescheduling events. Decide how your association will address frequently asked questions in advance and offer members resources and guidance wherever and whenever possible.
COVID-19 Resources for Associations
The following list of resources was taken from the National Council of Nonprofits.
Funding
- Analysis of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Pub. L. 116-136)
- Loans Available for Nonprofits in the CARES Act
- Paycheck Protection Program Loans: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Small Business Administration, updated April 13, 2020.
- Analysis of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
- How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19, Nonprofit Quarterly, March 26, 2020
- State-by-state listing of relief funds created by community foundations
- Neon One is offering fundraising resources, free consultations, and reduced fees on its #NPOsRise page, plus a no-fee digital fundraising platformto help nonprofits prepare for the special #GivingTuesday on May 5, 2020.
Federal
- Nonprofit Community Letter to Congress on priorities for CARES Act 2.0
- One-pager on nonprofit priorities for CARES Act 2.0
- CARES Act: New Nonprofit Provisions Pushed for Next Round of Relief Money, Nonprofit Quarterly, April 7, 2020
Technology Tools for Remote Work and Events
- Google Hangouts Premium is free through July 1.
- Microsoft Teams is available for free for six months.
- GoToMeeting tools for working remotely (video conferencing, webinars, and virtual events) are free for three months.
- Dropbox Premium is free for three months for nonprofits focused on fighting COVID-19.
- Higher Logic is providing its tools for virtual event communities free for the remainder of this year.
- Keep in communication with your community: LiveSafe is providing a free communications tool that can help connect people with the latest credible information, as well as allow you to broadcast information to your staff or people your nonprofit needs to stay in touch with.
Stansfeld, LLC Is Here to Help
During this time of uncertainty, Stansfeld is here to help. If your association is struggling to weather this storm, contact us today for a free 30-minute strategy session. Whether you’re trying to understand which funding program would best fit your organization, or you’re struggling with messaging to your membership base, we can help. Don’t let the days and weeks continue to go by without a plan. Let us help guide you through these uncertain times and help minimize the negative impact COVID-19 is placing on associations across the country.
