One Month Since...

​I find it hard to believe that it has been almost a month since I sent my first communication as the very first coronavirus case in Idaho was announced. So much has changed and so much is still uncertain. This week I want to highlight how we continue to support our fellow nonprofits and to illustrate what is certain in our world right now.  

What is certain is that the nonprofit sector in Idaho is stepping up and stepping in to lift our communities - whether on the front lines supporting those most in need or fulfilling your mission in new and different ways.  

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I challenge all of us - nonprofit leaders, employees, elected officials, and members of our own communities - to think about the response to this pandemic without the nonprofit sector rolling up our sleeves and getting it done. Personally, I cannot imagine what the response would be like without all our nonprofits on the front lines.

What is certain is that nonprofits are taking care of the needs of our community first, and worrying about funding and ongoing support second. I see you. I cheer for you. I support you.  

I watch how you show up every day, laying out your work in the new COVID world we live in, the challenges you face, and serving your mission, all with asking for support as an afterthought.  Nonprofit leaders and their teams consistently put the needs of those we serve ahead of everything else.

What is certain is that our community needs you. We need every nonprofit right now. We need health and human services, education, arts/culture/humanities, religion, environment, animal welfare, foundations, membership organizations and, foreign affairs. Each of us plays a critical part in the COVID response.  

What is certain is that we will get through this together.  

What is certain is that we need each other right now.  

What is certain is that no matter what happens, the lessons we learn, the skills we gain, and the resilience we develop and demonstrate, will carry us further than we ever thought possible.

That is what is certain. Lift each other up, lean on each other, and remember that we’re stronger together. And yes, to be sure, we’re certainly stronger than the COVID-19 virus. Of that I am most certain.

At the Idaho Nonprofit Center, we have a renewed sense of purpose around our mission to educate, advocate, and collaborate in support of stronger nonprofits. We’re beginning to formulate a new strategy for ongoing support as we navigate the “new normal” and identify knowledge capacity gaps.

We created a quick 4 minute poll to help us understand the nuanced challenges you face by your specific region/geographic footprint, subsector, and organizational size. This poll will help us better serve YOU. 

We have grown our COVID-19 resource page, including webinars on topics that matter to you and are creating ways that you can easily access NEW resources. 

We started hosting bi-weekly resource roundtable calls in Coeur d’Alene and the Treasure Valley, with our first call in Sandpoint next week. Click here to request a call in your community. 

Finally, we provided a ton of information on the Payroll Protection Plan, including a webinar with the SBA this morning (which was recorded for you to listen to later if you missed it). (note: check our resources daily, a lot of things pop up quickly!)  

Next week we are hosting a really important panel webinar that does a deep dive into all the other elements of the CARES and Families First acts that benefit nonprofits. Now that you’ve completed the PPP application, you need to know how this legislation can impact/support you.  

On the advocacy side, we continue to share information and resources on the Families First and CARES Acts and alerts on how to engage and support the next round (phase 4) of the COVID-19 legislation being discussed at the Federal Level.

We are fortunate to partner with the United Way of the Treasure Valley and the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce on a call with city and county officials next week.  

We will continue to be the voice of the sector on issues that matter to YOU. 

We continue to collaborate and partner with the Idaho Community Foundation and the United Way of Treasure Valley on the COVID-19 Response Fund. 

Please email me ([email protected]) your wonderful examples of collaboration across our nonprofit communities so I may share/post on my #sharethegoodidaho campaign on LinkedIn.

If there is anything we can do for you, please send us your questions, resources, ideas and suggestions to [email protected].

My wish is that your hard work is rewarded sooner than later, and that we have the resources we need right now, and beyond. My wish is that we rise to the challenge and we show our community what resilience looks like. We’ve got this. You’ve got this. And we’re with you every step of the way. God bless.

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