As we continue to learn more about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and how it’s impacting communities across the country and around the world, the Center is here to support nonprofits with updates and resources to help you take steps to safeguard your employees, operations, and NC communities. (We're also heeding health and government officials' advice and taking precautions ourselves.) If you know of or have a resource to share, please let us know.
The Center partnered with the Office of the NC Secretary of State and Strategic Partnerships office at the NC Office of State Budget and Management in summer 2020 to conduct a survey to understand what and how COVID-19 impacts and needs for North Carolina nonprofits have changed since March. The Center has distilled key takeaways from the final September 2020 report on survey findings (and complete dataset).
Responses from the March survey helped us compile a Summary of Needs Expressed by Nonprofits (as of 3/24/2020) and suggestions on state policies that can help nonprofits with COVID-19 recovery.
Quick Links
General Information
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) en español
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
World Health Organization (WHO) en español
North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Health and Safety Resources
NC 2-1-1 Connect to resources in your local community (English and Spanish services)
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)
Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in North Carolina (NCDHHS) Information, resources, and tips on how to prepare and respond to widespread illness (for individuals, families, businesses, employers, schools, health care providers, and community service facilities)
Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19 (National Council of Nonprofits) Information and resources for nonprofits
OpenWHO World Health Organization’s interactive platform for training and information to improve response to health emergencies
Coronavirus Information and FAQs (Society for Human Resource Management)
COVID-19: Five Things to Know and Do (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Employee Resource Guide (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
Stay at Home - What it Means for Nonprofits (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits)
Government Response and Guidelines
State COVID-19 Relief Legislation (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Key provisions that affect nonprofits in state COVID-19 relief bills
Nonprofit Provisions in the CARES Act (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Key provisions that affect nonprofits in federal stimulus bill
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act CARES Act (National Council of Nonprofits) Analysis of what's in the bill for nonprofits and other significant provisions
NC Tax Relief (NC Department of Revenue)
Coronavirus Tax Relief (Internal Revenue Service) Updates, FAQs, and guidance
Payroll Tax Credits (U.S. Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Labor) For paid sick leave and Family and Medical Leave Act
SBA Emergency Loans (en español) Guidance and available loans (see additional finanical resources below)
Paycheck Protection Program Information, Updated FAQs, and Application Forms (U.S. Department of the Treasury)(see additional finanical resources below)
If you have applied for a PPP loan, please share your experience – positive or negative. The National Council of Nonprofits and partners from across the country are collecting stories and data to ensure the program is running as it should. If you experienced any problems, report what happened so they can identify any patterns of problems and propose fixes – informal and formal – at the appropriate spots. Your information will help inform if further advocacy is needed to ensure nonprofits have the resources they need to continue serving their communities.
Unemployment Benefits and Unemployment Benefits Application (NC Division of Employment Security) Guidance for employers and laid off employees
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (NC Division of Employment Security) Guidance for people who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19 and are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits
Coronavirus Response: Guide to New Federal Resources (Office of Representative David Price) Summary of federal government programs and emergency aid
COVID-19 Resource Guide (Office of Representative David Price) Summary of federal, state, and county level resources to assist individuals
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)(see additional finanical resources below)
COVID-19 and Public Charge Rule (NC Justice Center) Video explanations of public charge rule and how it's affected by COVID-19 crises, and information about immigrant access to health care in times of emergency (in English and Spanish)
Staying Ahead of the Curve (State of North Carolina) The State of North Carolina's multi-phase approach to reopening
Public Policy Resources
Nonprofit Policy Matters (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Read or subscribe to federal and state policy and advocacy updates
Recommendations for State Policy Solutions (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) How state government can support nonprofits during and after COVID-19 crisis
Nonprofit letter to NC Congressional Delegation (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) 461 NC nonprofits seek policy solutions in CARES Act 2.0 to provide relief to nonprofits and communities they serve
The Charitable Sector: COVID-19 Relief and Economic Stimulus Package (National Council of Nonprofits) Nonprofits nationwide request $60 billion to help the most vulnerable during this crisis
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources for States (National Conference of State Legislators) Information to guide state action
Reopening Resources
Going Forward: Best Practices and Considerations for Nonprofit Re-Engagement (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Recommendations and considerations as nonprofits re-open offices and facilities throughout the pandemic
Staying Ahead of the Curve (State of North Carolina) The State of North Carolina's multi-phase approach to reopening
Guidance on Returning to Work (OSHA)
Guide to Reopening the Arts (by collaboration of NC art and cultural organizations)
Return to the Workplace: Employee Policies & Safety Measures (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
The New Normal: How Nonprofits Should Update Their Operations to Account for COVID-19 (NC State University)
Preparing Your Business for a Post-COVID-19 World (Brooks Pierce)
Business Continuity Resources
Small Business Center Network of North Carolina Providing free counseling on loan requests, business plans, startup questions, marketing, etc. as organizations navigate COVID-19 challenges
COVID-19 Small Business/Nonprofit Initiative (NC Pro Bono Resource Center) Providing free 45-minute consultations to organizations with less than 25 employees on COVID-19 related legal issues
Toolkit for Building Organizational Resilience (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Resources, guidance, checklists to help nonprofits plan, rebound, and recover from crisis or disaster
No Business Continuity Plan? Take These 4 Steps (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
Business Impact Analysis Worksheet (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
Eight Steps for Managing Through Tough Times (Bridgespan)
Mergers, Collaborations, and Strategic Alliances (National Council of Nonprofits)
Nonprofit Mergers and Acquisitions: More Than a Tool for Tough Times (The Bridgespan Group)
The M Word: A Board Member’s Guide to Mergers (CompassPoint)
What Nonprofit Board Members Should Be Doing Right Now to Address the COVID-19 Situation (BoardSource)
Governing In a Time of Crisis: 10 Actions for Boards (Propel Nonprofits)
Cashflow Projection and Scenario Planning Tools (Nonprofit Finance Fund) Video walk-throughs and resources
Communication Resources
Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CDC) Plans, resources, tools for communicating before, during, and after public health crisis
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis Communication Best Practices for Nonprofits (Prosper Strategies)
Coronavirus Crisis Comms Triage Kit (The Communications Network) Best practices, resources, examples of effective crisis communications from foundations and nonprofits
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Resources
COVID-19: Using a Racial Justice Lens Now to Transform Our Future (Nonprofit Quarterly)
Strategy Questions for Paradigm Shifts in an Age of Crises (Up with Community)
It’s Time to Talk About…What Board Commitment to Equity Looks Like in This Moment (BoardSource)
Pushing Back Against Habits of White Supremacy in a Crisis (CompassPoint)
Don't Unsee. Do. (Points of Light)
Eight Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice (The Opportunity Agenda)
More Than Ever, Nonprofit Messaging Needs to Express Empathy (NonprofitMarketingGuide)
Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter for Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)
Ensuring Virtual Events Are Accessible for All (RespectAbility)
Employee Benefits and Human Resources
FAQs on Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Extended Family and Medical Leave Provisions in FFCRA (Lisa Gordon Stella, Durham attorney who provides pro bono services through the Center)
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers (U.S. Department of Labor)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace: Legal and Regulatory Considerations (HUB International)
Know Your Rights: Your Employment and COVID-19 (Pisgah Legal) Facts on paid leave, unemployment insurance, and safe work
COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers (U.S. Department of Labor)
COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers (U.S. Department of Labor)
COVID-19 Unemployment Issues Affecting Nonprofits (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Some solutions that Congress and state governments are developing could lead to significant problems for some nonprofits and their employees
Are We Covered? Your Nonprofit’s Insurance Policies and COVID-19 Claims (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
Retirement and Other Savings Plan Updates Provided in CARES Act (Retirement Plan Advisor Search)
Key CARES Act Provisions Affecting Retirement Plan Partcipants and Plan Sponsors (American Retirement Association)
What the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Means to Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)
Coronavirus Update for Employers (Marsh & McLennan Agency) Summary of recent actions taken by federal and state governments affecting employer-provided health benefits and other related issues
Employer's Guide to Addressing COVID-19 (Marsh & McLennan Agency) Summary of government response, testing and treatment, communication with employees, care and well being resources, and coverage considerations
Accommodating Working Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Society for Human Resource Management)
A Practical Guide to Navigating 2021 Health Plan Renewals (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
Event Management Resources
COVID-19: Is Your Event Covered? (Professional Convention Management Association)
Key Planning Recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the Context of the Current COVID-19 Outbreak (WHO)
Coronavirus: What You Need to Know About Cancelling an Event and Liability Risks (EventMB)
Interpreting Force Majeure Clauses (Venable LLP)
Your Spring Event Was Cancelled by COVID-19, Now What? (Institute of Net)
Virtual Gala: Engaging Donors and Sponsors (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Ensuring Virtual Events Are Accessible for All (RespectAbility)
Financial Resources
Loans Available for Nonprofits in the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136) (National Council of Nonprofits) Comparison chart on CARES Act loan options, eligibility criteria, terms, applications
Coronavirus Relief Options and FAQs (U.S. Small Business Administration) Clarification and quick links for financial relief options
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (Application Overview and EIDL Application) The Small Business Administration in coordination with state governors will provide low-interest (2.75%) loans to up to $2 million to nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. This program includes the Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan with funds - $1,000 per employee up to $10,000 max - available within three days of a successful application; this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
Paycheck Protection Program Information/FAQs and Borrower Application Form and Loan Forgiveness Application (U.S. Department of the Treasury)
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits (U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
Key Federal Funding Available for Health Care Providers and Hospitals to Address COVID-19 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
Pandemic Recovery Information for Nonprofits (NC Pandemic Recovery Office) Relief funds updates and information
COVID-19 Public Assistance (FEMA and NC Division of Emergency Management) State and local governments and certain private nonprofits are eligible for federal funds to help with the costs of responding to and recovering from disasters. Eligible organizations must register with NCDEM and watch the briefing.
FEMA Reimbursement Tutorial Series (NC Division of Emergency Management) Online tutorials about FEMA reimbursement process and FEMA Grants Portal
Rapid Response Fund of the United Way of the Greater Triangle Funding for Greater Triangle-area nonprofits providing emergency support for food, hygiene, childcare, and housing assistance during times of area-wide crisis
Emergency and Disaster Response Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Funding for human service organizations in WNC counties in addressing basic needs that have been exacerbated by COVID-19
COVID-19 Response Fund of the United Way of Henderson County and Community Foundation of Henderson County Providing flexible resources to 501(c)(3) organizations in WNC region working with communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and related economic consequences
COVID-19 Response Fund of United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation For The Carolinas Funding for Charlotte-Mecklenburg nonprofits assisting people most affected by COVID-19
COVID-19 Response Fund of United Way of Forsyth County and The Winston-Salem Foundation Providing flexible resources for immediate, emerging, and long-term needs to Forsyth County organizations working with communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its economic consequences
Virus Relief Fund of United Way of Greater Greensboro Funding for local 501(c)(3) organizations providing services aligned with priority areas to individuals directly impacted by COVID-19
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants of The Outer Banks Community Foundation Funding for nonprofits that provide vital services to the Outer Banks through the COVID-19 crisis
COVID-19 Relief Fund of NC Council on Developmental Disabilities Funding for one-time, time-limited projects to assist in filling gaps in services or activities that people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities are experiencing due to COVID-19
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans Loans through Mountain BizWorks up to $50,000 based on organization’s current revenue – intended as bridge loan financing until organizations can access SBA Disaster or other federal disaster funding
Emergency COVID-19 Funding Sources (Resourceful Communities, The Conservation Fund) Emergency funding available in North Carolina to respond to effects of COVID-19 – includes national, statewide, regional, local, and by sector
Community Foundations Nationwide Launch Coronavirus Relief Efforts (Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative) Community foundations, listed by state, that have relief funds available to nonprofits
Fundraising Resources
8 Steps for Successful Fundraising During the Coronavirus Crisis (Amy Eisenstein)
How Nonprofits Can Connect Virtually During Trying Times (Clairification)
Coronavirus Fundraising & Donor Relations Tactics (Bloomerang)
Fundraising in Tough Times (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Check-Up Clinic: Fundraising & Philanthropy Resource Websites (CapDev)
Technology Resources
How to Create an Effective Teleworking Program (Society for Human Resource Management)
Considerations for a Remote Work Policy (Society for Human Resource Management)
Remote Workers and Telecommuting Practices for Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)
Remote Working: Setting Yourself and Your Teams Up for Success (LinkedIn) Free 16-course e-learning series
The Remote Option: Smart Technology for Creating Virtual Teams (Idealware)
Navigating the Crisis (Apparo) Information and tools for nonprofits to work and serve remotely
Comparison Guide: Video Conferencing Tools for Your Nonprofit (TechSoup)
Remote Workers Resource Guide: The Best Apps and Tools to Increase Productivity (HighSpeedInternet.net)
Free or Low-Cost Telecommuting Resources
Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work During the COVID-19 Outbreak (TechSoup) Resources (most of which are free) that can be implemented relatively quickly and with little to no external IT support
Internet Service Providers Offering COVID Crisis Assistance (HighSpeedInternet.net)
DropBox Free Dropbox Business and HelloSign Enterprise subscriptions for 3 months to nonprofits focused on fighting COVID-19
Emergency Remote Work Kits (LogMeIn) Free, organization-wide use of many LogMeIn products for 3 months
Google Free access to Hangouts Meet, which allows up to 250 participants and live streaming up to 100,000 viewers per domain, and G-suite until July 1, 2020
Jamm Free platform for voice and video collaboration for teams working remotely (integrates with Slack)
Loom Video recording and sharing service offering boosts to free service plan, discounted prices on LoomPro, and free access for educational institutions through July 1, 2020
Microsoft 365 Free 6 month trial of Microsoft 365 E1, with web-based Office apps and business services including email, file storage and sharing, meetings, and instant messaging
QuickBooks Accounting and budgeting software at a discount for nonprofits through TechSoup (desktop and online platforms available)
Quip (Salesforce) Free use of platform for remote teams to work collectively on documents, spreadsheets, and chat (for current Salesforce users only)
Slack Free upgrades to paid plans for teams working on coronavirus pandemic research, response, or mitigation
Zoom Online video and web conferencing platform at a discount for nonprofits through TechSoup. Center Members get a deeper discount through our money-saving partnership.