B.C. non-profits at risk of shutting down

May 14, 2020 | 11:38 AM

Non-profit groups across B.C. are in danger of closure due to COVID-19 impacts, according to a report from Vantage Point and the Vancouver and Victoria Foundations.

In a survey of more than 1,000 non-profits in B.C., 19 per cent said they face closure and 23 per cent feel they may not last more than six months.

“Arts organizations, sports and recreation groups, environmental organizations and social service agencies may disappear in the next few months,” the report said.

The authors say the bottom line is many charities and frontline agencies are at risk, and the people and communities they serve are going to fall through the cracks if action isn’t taken.

“Our economy will not recover without the vital services non-profit organizations provide every day. We all depend on this sector doing its part to get B.C. back on its feet,” Kevin McCort, CEO of Vancouver Foundation said.

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“Our sector fills the gap between government and the private sector,” Alison Brewin, the executive director of Vantage Point said. “After decades of focusing our resources on direct services, our capacity to be resilient, to meet the increased demand from communities for our help, non-profits and charities are digging deep to protect the needs of those we serve. And, not surprisingly, this report shows us that sector is more worried for the disruption COVID-19 has meant for those we serve than we are for ourselves. It highlights our optimism, capacity, and resilience. But we can’t do it without support.”

Some of the key findings include:

· 74 per cent of non-profits have experienced a decrease in funding

· 68 per cent have struggled to manage working from home

· 95 per cent report higher stress levels because of COVID-19

“Our most vulnerable residents rely on civil society organizations at the best of times, let alone when we’re facing something as unprecedented as the COVID-19 outbreak,” Sandra Richardson, CEO of the Victoria Foundation said. “While it’s distressing to see the challenges highlighted in this report, this entire situation has been an important reminder of just how vital these organizations are and how essential it is they be able to remain stable when they’re needed most.”

You can get more details on the report at thevantagepoint.ca

by Pete McIntyre

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