Fifty-nine percent of surveyed nonprofits in South Carolina can only survive six months or less without additional funding, according to a study conducted by our partner, Together SC. While this number is down from 63% in Sept. 2020, showing a slight silver lining, it still underscores the additional need of our nonprofit organizations.

The adverse impact of the pandemic on the nonprofit sector is undeniable. According to the survey data, the nonprofit sector in SC lost 7.5% of its workforce in one year of the pandemic. This finding mirrors a national study done by Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society. The absence of staff has unfortunately resulted in a negative impact on mission delivery.

The top nonprofit service needs that continue to increase are food assistance, help with paying for housing, support for remote learning/working and support for mental health for both clients and staff.

It’s clear that nonprofit resources continue to be strained due to the pandemic, including the cancellation and postponement of fundraising events, a decline in donations from corporations and individuals due to market upheaval, an absence of volunteers and increased demand for services.

What can be done to help? The single biggest need for nonprofit organizations is unrestricted dollars to offset lost revenue, meet increased demand and restructure for a post-pandemic economy. Beyond cash, SC nonprofits also need support managing a return to in-person work/service delivery, supplies (e.g., disinfectants, PPE) and mental health supports for both clients and staff.

Last year, on May 5, our community rallied together to support supporters and donated an incredible $3.3 million to 400+ nonprofits on Midlands Gives. This year, on May 4, we’re asking the community to do the same — to come together, even though we’re apart, and support the supporters of our whole community, our nonprofit organizations.

More than 480 nonprofit organizations from 11 counties in the Midlands are registered for Midlands Gives this year. Donors can choose from 11 different nonprofit categories on the Midlands Gives platform, including a Black-led and Black-benefiting category.

On Midlands Gives Day, you can support the whole community, as every aspect of our community is touched by the work of the registered nonprofits.

We’ve made progress over the past year in combatting the effects of COVID-19 on our community, but we still have a long way to go. Our community is resilient, and we know we will support each other, including our nonprofits to build a better community for all.

In addition to Midlands Gives, in 2020, the One SC Fund awarded more than $3 million to nonprofits in all 46 South Carolina counties, providing more than 700,000 South Carolinians with vital resources and supplies. In 2021, CCCF will continue awarding COVID-19 Response Grants through the One SC Fund to nonprofits in all 46 SC counties. These counties will be prioritized through a tiered approach to ensure funds reach populations most affected by the pandemic. As a result, most of these grants will be awarded to organizations led by Black, Indigenous or people of color (BIPOC) and are highly trusted by and deeply embedded in these communities.

Learn more about the Together SC Nonprofit Assessment results here.

Donate to any of the 480+ Midlands nonprofits through Midlands Gives here.

Donate to the One SC Fund to support statewide COVID-19 response and relief efforts here.