ATLANTA, GA – April 6, 2020. As nonprofits across the country deal with the rapid changes caused by COVID-19 – prompting abrupt program shut-downs and interruptions while demand for essential services spikes – the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN) has established an ever-growing hub of resources to help them adapt, overcome, and continue serving communities in need.
GCN was one of the first organizations to react to the threat of COVID-19, publishing a guide to COVID-19 contingency planning in early March alongside a video presentation from their long-standing and industry-leading CEO, Karen Beavor.
Since then, GCN has developed a dedicated COVID-19 response resource hub, deployed a series of webinars for emergency response and “going virtual,” and hosted two all-in Town Halls for the state sector (with more to come). GCN’s resource hub includes planning guides and resource sheets for emergency management and subsector-specific issues, COVID-related funding, and updates on GCN programs – in particular, for Nonprofit University training courses and learning events, now offered online – along with replays of and slides from GCN’s recent webinars.
The latest additions to this continually updated hub include information on the new unemployment filling requirements announced by the Georgia Department of Labor and a guide to the CARES Act for nonprofits,including a living document that provides a rundown of funds available and how to take advantage. In addition, GCN’s April 1st Town Hall provided details on the new bill, with follow-up webinars covering how to apply for Small Business Administration loans.
Looking forward, GCN has scheduled further webinars hosted by their experienced team, including SVP of Programs and Senior Consultant Kathy Keeley, a trusted industry veteran. Topics include scenario planning for programs and staffing, messaging in an extended crisis, and fundraising preparation for the spring – which includes the return of GAgives for the international #GivingTuesdayNow fundraising event on May 5. (Watch for more information on that GCN-led campaign, coming soon.)
Finally, GCN is also leading a collaborative response to the crisis by creating state and local Task Forces to develop rapid solutions for issues that are too big, and too immediate, for any one organization. These teams will coordinate multiple channels of information, resources, and influence to implement coordinated responses; tackle business-continuity issues; and educate the donor community, government leaders, and the business community about the outbreak’s impact on mission impact and financial stability.
To join the network and stay up-to-date with the resources and opportunities available, GCN urges nonprofits, partners, and the media to sign up for GCN emails, and follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
