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In the news: Lodestar Center's COVID-19 report on Arizona nonprofits makes headlines

On May 4, 2020, the ASU Lodestar Center released its report on the impacts of COVID-19 on Arizona nonprofit organizations. Here is a sampling of news coverage from across the state and country.


May 12, 2020

ASU Now: Survey finds state's nonprofits hit hard by pandemic recession

 The COVID-19 pandemic is creating huge disruption for many Arizona nonprofit organizations, which are seeing increased demand for services but plummeting revenue.

 A new survey of 449 nonprofits released by the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University captured the profound effects of the crisis and the resulting economic distress after only a few weeks:

  • Nearly 80% reported a reduction in their normal services.
  • 11% of organizations are not operating at all.
  • Almost 40% of arts and culture nonprofits are not currently operating.
  • Just under 20% of nonprofits say they won't meet payroll in eight weeks.
  • Only 5% of nonprofits say they are operating normally.

The nonprofit sector is Arizona's fifth largest nongovernment employer, employing 1 in 16 workers and representing $8.3 billion in annual wages, according to the center's "COVID-19 Report." Read the story.


May 9, 2020

AZFamily.com: Arizona nonprofits highly impacted by COVID-19, ASU study finds

Right now, nonprofits across the Valley are feeling the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. For the Herberger Theater, it's meant some tough choices.

"It's shut us down completely, and we are waiting patiently to try and reopen again," said Mark Mettes, CEO of Herberger Theater. "We had to furlough about 20-25 workers." Read the story.


May 7, 2020

FOX 10 Phoenix: COVID-19 pandemic could have big negative impact on nonprofits in Arizona

 

Read the story.

KTAR News Phoenix: ASU report shows dramatic impact of virus outbreak on local nonprofits

Arizona nonprofits are struggling to serve their local communities as the coronavirus outbreak continues to take its toll on the state.

A report conducted by Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation highlighted the effects on local nonprofits through data collected from more than 400 organizations, according to a press release. Read the story.


May 6, 2020

AP News: Some Arizona nonprofits may not overcome virus-driven losses

Nearly half of nonprofits in Arizona will be unable to serve the public within the next month because of the heavy toll brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

Arizona State University released a survey Tuesday that found many nonprofits are facing bleak prospects due to losses in revenue and volunteering. While some programs like food banks and child care are seeing their demand balloon, other nonprofits such as performing arts groups continue to spiral.

Read the story. (Syndicated in Albuquerque JournalArizona Daily SunKNAU, Houston ChroniclePinal Central, SeattlePIU.S. News & World Report, Yuma Sun.)

KOLD News 13 Tucson: Arizona nonprofits feel the financial impact of COVID-19

A study released by Arizona State University shows close to 20 percent of nonprofits in the state won’t be able to meet payroll in eight weeks and 80 percent have seen a reduction in normal services.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Southern Arizona is just one of the nonprofits having to make a shift in operations. Most of the in-person meetings between mentors and mentees have moved to virtual platforms. Read the story.

AZfamily.com: Some Arizona nonprofits may not overcome virus-driven losses

Nearly half of nonprofits in Arizona will be unable to serve the public within the next month because of the heavy toll brought by the coronavirus pandemic. Read the story.

KYMA Yuma: Coronavirus hits Arizona nonprofits hard

ASU researchers found the pandemic has reduced both donations and volunteer hours. The survey showed some programs, like food banks and childcare, are seeing an exponential increase in demand for services. The growing need for essential assistance has eclipsed other charities completely. Nonprofits promoting the arts are seeing their donations dwindle. Read the story.


May 5, 2020

In Business Magazine Greater Phoenix: Report highlights devastating impact of COVID-19 on Arizona nonprofits

As unemployment soars and Arizonans cope with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many nonprofit organizations, from food pantries to shelter services, are needed more than ever. But those same organizations are struggling with disruptions of their own as donations decline and volunteers stay home. Read the story.