Desert Sun, Judi Olivas
Nonprofits need your help in coronavirus pandemic
During these unprecedented times, nonprofits have courageously risen to meet the needs of those affected by the coronavirus pandemic as it continues to impact the health and safety of our communities. Even with the shelter-in-place orders, we continue to adapt to deliver critical services across a wide spectrum of causes, providing important mission-based programs and services vital to our community.
Some of our most treasured organizations have been forced to suspend activities with respect to the safe keeping and health of their volunteers, employees and members.
The pandemic has greatly stressed member of our local nonprofit community. They are feeling the acute pressure of two colliding forces: a dramatic increase in demand for services and a significant, severe decline in financial resources.
Many nonprofits are struggling with immediate cash flow concerns, as sources of revenue generation have ceased and community fundraising events, a significant portion of many local fundraising plans, were cancelled.
Unparalleled losses require unprecedented giving. The Desert Communities Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has been supporting the philanthropic landscape of the Coachella Valley since 1987. AFP members are comprised of nonprofit leaders who advance philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The chapter’s core activities include education, training, mentoring, research, and advocacy and certification programs. And, we proudly celebrate local philanthropic heroes each year with the entire through our National Philanthropy Day awards luncheon.
As we approach Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, we ask that you think of all the good nonprofit organizations have done and make a donation directly to your local charity of choice.
We ask that you not only think of the nonprofit organizations working tirelessly on the front lines, but those who are going to need support now to insure that they are still here when restrictions are lifted – cultural institutions, educational facilities and performing arts just to name a few.
As we shelter-in-place, missions do not cease and needs to not decline. We need long-term support of donors who will help us sustain over time.
The Coachella Valley is unique in its dedication to charitable giving. A gift, no matter the size, can have a deep impact on the immediate and long-term financial health of the charity you love. Ensure a bright future for nonprofits and the critical services they provide across dozens of causes by making a gift today.
Together we are better. The Coachella Valley understands philanthropy like no other community I know. Thank you for making our valley one of the best places in the country to live in. Thank you for your ongoing support to nonprofits – the work they do I vital!
Judi Olivas, is President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Desert Communities Chapter, and is also development director of Friends of the PS Animal Shelter. Email her at: jolivas@psanimalshelter.org
