By Victoria Bradley | Wed, April 1, 20
A lot has changed in the world over the past few weeks and months. It continues to change, even on a daily basis. The way we work and live has completely transformed. NEEP’s physical office shut down mid-March; we’ve moved to all remote work. Overnight, I went from waking up and driving 35 minutes into work every day to waking up and walking one minute to my makeshift office in the living room. I know, it’s a bear of a commute. Despite all the change and unknowns that surround us, there have been many positive responses to our current situation. You don’t have to look far to see what Mr. Rogers calls “the helpers”. They are all around, especially in the non-profit world.
In general, it seems technology has managed to keep us connected despite the need for social distancing and self-isolation. Personally, I’ve talked to more friends and family over group video hangouts and text than I have in a long time. NEEP even started doing an all-staff, virtual happy hour each Friday over Slack video chats. Social media has also been a great tool in connecting people worldwide who are facing similar situations. Technology has helped to bring us together, but for many organizations transitioning to the new way of business isn’t easy. Which is why it’s great to see organizations and companies stepping up and offering helpful resources.
In the non-profit sector many funders have risen to the occasion and offered non-traditional and unexpected support to their grantees. One of our funders, the Barr Foundation, immediately responded with a blog post ensuring their partners of their support, flexibility, and commitment to providing the grant support promised for 2020. Heising-Simons, another one of our funders, is providing a rapid response fund for organizations that are financially impacted by COVID-19. In addition to the good example these funders are setting forth, it’s also a good reminder for all of us to check to see what flexibility and additional support are available from our networks.
Along with funders, many organizations are compiling helpful and comprehensive resources for non-profits. Here are a few examples we’d like to share:
- TSNE’s COVID-19 Response and Resources for Nonprofits
- Nonprofit Resources List
- The Bridgespan Group’s COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits and Funders
- NASEO’s Energy Sector Pandemic Analysis and News Round-Up
- Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit’s Coronavirus Resources
- Massachusetts Nonprofit Network’s Coronavirus and Massachusetts Nonprofits
- National Council of Nonprofits’ Nonprofits and Coronavirus
- EEFA Pandemic Response Guidance
- Massachusetts Unemployment Information
- Attorney General's FAQ Regarding COVID-19 and Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
- Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
If there are others we should know about please email us. The times we are living in are unprecedented and it’s important for us to connect those who need help with the correct resources.
Even though NEEP is operating remotely we’re committed to continuing our work and supporting our industry.