Can you believe it has been a year since the first cases of COVID-19 arose in B.C.? One year ago, as the first few cases arose, we had no idea just how much change and uncertainty lay ahead for us.
Just as we were all taken by surprise by the events of the past year, so too were our charitable and non-profit organizations. Uncertainty about the financial sector meant donations slowed down, and right when the essential services these organizations offer were needed more than ever to help the most vulnerable of our residents.
So how are these organizations doing one year into this situation? The short answer is they are still at great risk. Released this month, the Unraveling report, produced by the Victoria Foundation in partnership with the Vancouver Foundation and Vantage Point, revealed the precarious position these organizations find themselves in.
A survey taken by over 900 non-profits in our province tells us 48 per cent face closure should the pandemic continue and 20 per cent say they will likely have to shut down within a year if conditions don’t improve. That is a staggering figure. This during a time when 59 per cent report an increase in demand for services while 64 per cent report a decreased ability to deliver those services. Even if they survive, 71 per cent of organizations are expecting a budget shortfall this year.
Among those hardest hit are arts organizations. From moving to virtual seasons, to dealing with reduced revenues and other challenges, local arts organizations have worked hard to ensure that the “show will go on.” Also keeping these organizations alive are Victoria Foundation donors, including one major donation contributed by the JAYMAC Fund which saw a $100,000 gift go to our Arts & Culture Fund. This gift was matched by other contributions as part of the total $2.8 million distributed to local, provincial, and national arts organizations.
Government support and funding from granting organizations such as the Victoria Foundation have helped fill some of the gaps to keep the sector going, but we - as individuals, organizations, governments, society as a whole — need to do more. If the worst-case scenario happens the loss of these organizations will leave a gaping hole in our community, our economy, and our lives. A year into the pandemic it can be easy to become complacent, but our non-profits literally can’t afford to.
I call on all of us to do what we can to help. Please visit victoriafoundation.ca to read the full report, donate to the Community Action Funds, and discover local organizations you can support through our Vital Charities portal.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
