As we continue to cope with impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits is here to support nonprofits with updates and resources to help you take steps to safeguard your employees, operations, and NC communities. If you know of or have a resource to share, please let us know.
The Center partnered with the offices of the NC Secretary of State and Strategic Partnerships at the NC Office of State Budget and Management in summer 2020 to survey what and how COVID-19 impacts and needs for North Carolina nonprofits had changed since March. The Center distilled key takeaways from the final September 2020 report on survey findings (and complete dataset) and, with NC OSBM, compiled resources specific to the needs nonprofits expressed in the survey.
Responses from the Center's original March 2020 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
COVID-19 Vaccine Information (NCDHHS)
COVID-19 Vaccine Information (CDC)
NC 2-1-1 Connect to resources in your local community (English and Spanish services)
Guidance for Businesses and Employers Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (CDC)
Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace (OSHA)
Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace (OSHA)
Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
COVID-19 Response in North Carolina (NCDHHS) Information, resources, and tips on how to respond to and protect from 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
Resources for Nonprofits and Others Responding to COVID-19 (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and NC Office of State Budget and Management)
American Rescue Plan Provides Relief to Nonprofits (North Carolina Center for Nonprofits) Key provisions that affect nonprofits
American Rescue Plan Act (National Council of Noprofits) Analysis of key provisions affecting nonprofits and people they serve
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)
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
What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Laws (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) Technical Assistance Q&A
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
Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace (OSHA)
Reopening the Arts (Arts North Carolina)
Return to the Workplace: Employee Policies & Safety Measures (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
The Way Forward (Marsh & McLennan Agency) Presentation template for employers to help educate employees on their role in a safe return to the workplace.
The New Normal: How Nonprofits Should Update Their Operations to Account for COVID-19 (NC State University)
A Return to Meetings: Develop a COVID Protocol Document (Associations Now)
12 Questions to Ask Before Re-Opening Your Nonprofit's Office (Wild Apricot)
What Is Your Organization’s Long-Term Remote Work Strategy? (Harvard Business Review)
Re-Opening After COVID-19: What Nonprofits Need to Know about Reasonable Accommodation of Employees with Disabilities (Blue Avocado)
Take 10: Resume and Thrive Strategies (Nonprofit Risk Management Center)
What Nonprofits Need to Know as Staff and Volunteers Return from Remote Work to In-Person Operations (National Council of Nonprofits)
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
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources for Employers (Society for Human Resource Management)
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)
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)
Know Where to Go for Care: A Guide to Navigate Mental Health (Marsh & McLennan Agency)
Event Management Resources
A Few Practical Realities for Post-Pandemic Events (Associations Now)
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)
Interpreting Force Majeure Clauses (Venable LLP)
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 Targeted EIDL Advance that provides funds of up to $10,000 to organizations in low-income communities who experienced at least a 30% reduction in revenue during any 8-week period after March 2, 2020.
Paycheck Protection Program Information/FAQs, including First Draw PPP Loans, Second Draw PPP Loans, and PPP Loan Forgiveness (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
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 United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation For The Carolinas Funding for Charlotte-Mecklenburg nonprofits assisting people most affected by COVID-19
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
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
Community Foundations Nationwide Launch Coronavirus Relief Efforts (Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative) Community foundations, listed by state, that have relief funds available to nonprofits
COVID-19 Relief Funds & Grants for Artists & the Arts (Arts North Carolina)
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)
Tools to Support Remote Work (TechSoup)
Preparing Your IT Infrastructure For a Return to Office Post-Pandemic (Tech Impact)
Free or Low-Cost Telecommuting Resources
Internet Service Providers Offering COVID Crisis Assistance (HighSpeedInternet.net)
DropBox Discounts for nonprofits on Dropbox Business
GoToMeeting (LogMeIn) Nonprofit rates for web and video conferencing
Google for Nonprofits Products include G-Suite for Nonprofits, Google Ad Grants, YouTube Nonprofit Program, Google Earth and Maps
Jamm Free platform for voice and video collaboration for teams working remotely (integrates with Slack)
Loom Video recording and sharing service
Microsoft 365 Nonprofit rates on 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 platform with chat, call, and file sharing features
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.