Local Nonprofits Impacted By Pandemic

Local nonprofits shifted services to serve people in need during the pandemic. A new analysis highlights what these groups had to change to remain effective.

Ongoing surveys of local human services organizations find 99 percent are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The United Way of Central Indiana assessments ask about the needs, changes and gaps the nonprofits are facing. 

UWCI Vice President of Impact Research Denise Luster says more than 40 percent of the organizations had to expand services.

"Individuals and families that are one emergency away from going back into poverty, and this was that emergency," says Luster. 

A quarter of organizations had to add new programs, at the same time that more than half saw a decline in revenue.

Luster says nonprofits had to pivot quickly to address the needs of clients.

"How do you deliver services in this type of climate, what are some of the mobile needs, what is absolutely critical in delivery of services?" Luster says. 

Most say staff mental health is a major concern -- more than 80 percent.

Organizations significantly impacted include food assistance, transportation and employment.
UWCI will continue the surveys and use them to help allocate grant money.