Giving Compass' Take:

• Manhattan Institute’s Tocqueville Project identifies local leaders of organizations that represent the strength of nonprofit resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• How have donors been crucial in supporting organizations during this time? What is the best way for you to promote organizational health and well-being? 

• Read how organizations are surviving during COVID-19. 

Over the last six months, the world has faced one of the most challenging public health crises of our modern era. The coronavirus pandemic has caused serious hardship for many Americans nationwide. In addition to the direct health consequences, families continue to struggle with disruptions in our education system, access to childcare, and more than 13 million people remain unemployed—with some facing the inability to pay for basic necessities like food or rent.

At the same time, we have seen compassionate people and organizations taking it upon themselves to fill the gaps and come together to contribute to Covid-19 relief efforts, engage in mutual aid, and combat social and economic problems in their neighborhoods.

Non-governmental efforts continue to be critical forces in communities all over the country. One of our most distinctive attributes, America’s strong civil society has shown resilience and a unique ability to respond quickly and effectively to today’s new and unmet needs thanks to unfailing volunteers and private philanthropy. Local nonprofits—powered by community support rather than government support—have acted like additional “first responders,” looking out for the most vulnerable, providing food and critical supplies at no cost, connecting people with job opportunities, and more. It is these individuals and the organizations they constitute—the arms and legs of a thriving civil society—that were there to assist those in need before the pandemic … they are there during the pandemic … and they will be there as the nation emerges and recovers from these difficult times.

In the midst of today's challenges, Manhattan Institute’s Tocqueville Project has continued its work to identify local leaders who empower the poor and disadvantaged, build caring relationships to support those in crisis, prepare the next generation to realize their full potential, restore and revitalize struggling neighborhoods, and much more.

Read the full article about nonprofit organization resilience by Annie Dwyer at Philanthropy Daily.