Data from a 2021 survey completed by the University of Northern Iowa found that over 75% of Iowa’s nonprofits reported being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In response, the Legacy Foundation has opened the Nonprofit Pandemic Support Fund to assist in filling the gap of lost revenue experienced by our local nonprofit community.
“The COVID-19 pandemic hit our local nonprofits particularly hard,” said Amy Nossaman, Grants Program Manager at the Legacy Foundation. “Our grantee survey this year had several reoccurring themes; financial instability, volunteer shortages, and increased costs in service delivery. Most concerning may be the mental health and burnout of their staff members.”
Organizations must have 501(c)(3) not-for-profit tax status with a physical address and ongoing presence in Wapello County. Applicants must also demonstrate at least one of the following related to the pandemic:
- Changes in staffing
- Increase or decrease demand for services
- Costs incurred by alternative service delivery
- Lost revenue from canceled fundraisers, ticket sales, or other revenue-generating activities
Awards range from $3,000 to $10,000 based on annual operating budget. Funds may be used for basic operating support such as staffing, rent, and utilities, reimbursement for supplies or equipment related to changes in service delivery or programs or activities that provide direct support to vulnerable populations. Applications will be accepted from September 1-15, 2021, with funds disbursed on October 1, 2021.
