Perspective: Generosity was the Silver Lining of 2021

December 19, 2020 - 2020 is almost over. Finally. 

Some of the long-term effects of the coronavirus will change the face of the nonprofit sector, such as seeing nonprofits shut down or eliminate staff positions and resources to survive declining revenues. But other impacts are more positive for the sector as a whole. The pandemic has forced nonprofits to either quickly invest in or double down on their digital infrastructures to make sure they can reach donors through online giving. And, in the midst of a year when nearly every sector was marked by financial instability, donors have answered the call for help.

Nonprofits around the world raised more than $808 million on #GivingTuesday alone. The GivingTuesday Data Commons, a group of more than 60 partners, estimates that more than 34 million people participated in #GivingTuesday 2020, a 29% increase over last year.

For our part, we launched a digital fundraising training program this year to support our grantees in expanding their online opportunities. Our grantees have raised more than $1.6 million as part of an online fundraising initiative in November and December, including major engagement on #GivingTuesday. We will be matching these online donations through December 31 for qualifying organizations.

Here are some of the stories we are hearing from our grantees who participated:

• From the Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center: “In a very challenging year, #GivingTuesday represents a magnificent ray of sunshine! … I think the big takeaway [is] the number of new donors that came through our campaign.” 

• From Stetson University: “We are thrilled to announce that our Giving Tuesday campaign, sponsored by a challenge through the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, saw 241 Hatters donate more than $23,000 to the Stetson Fund in one day! A heartfelt Thank You to everyone who contributed and helped us meet our goal!”

• From the New Bedford Whaling Museum: “More than 200 people made a donation to the New Bedford Whaling Museum yesterday, surpassing our #GivingTuesday goal!! Thank you for caring, sharing, and giving. Your support helped the Whaling Museum secure $25,000 in funding from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.”

Those stories may perfectly capture the best of an annus horribilis. Out of the chaos and upending, new, promising directions might be emerging.

I’m looking forward to 2021.

Mari