The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) has released a new report about the impact of COVID and associated government relief measures on nonprofits and charities.
Key takeaways include:
- Nonprofits lost a massive number of volunteers during the crisis – 61% reporting lost volunteers.
- Almost two-thirds of nonprofits reported an increase in demand for programs and services, while half reported pandemic-related revenue losses.
- Almost 7 out of 10 nonprofits did not receive any provincial supports for nonprofits. The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund was highly oversubscribed and only half of the respondents who applied received it.
- The province’s other key support program for small employers was accessed by only 1 in 20 nonprofits (Small Business Support Grant). The cap of $20,000 also left a big gap.
- Francophone nonprofits fared better with targeted provincial funding, enabling 1 in 5 to access support.
- Federal government supports were more helpful (37% received CEWS and the 23% received the Emergency Community Support Fund).
ONN is proposing paid sick days legislation be made permanent, the Ontario government offer a new round of Small Business and Nonprofit Grants, echoing the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, CEWS be extended, along with a micro-grant program for volunteer-driven nonprofits.
