To say that 2020 has been a gamechanger would be a massive understatement! Every sector, company, organization, school, and family have been impacted by the pandemic and the subsequent economic shutdown this year. As a philanthropic institution, Stanislaus Community Foundation has met the challenges presented throughout 2020 head on. We have provided more grants and scholarships than ever before, with over $4M provided to local nonprofits and college students to date.
In addition, Stanislaus Community Foundation has doubled down on our leadership work to boost educational attainment (even while school districts pivoted to distance learning); invest in our economic infrastructure (even while our unemployment rate tripled); and provided key tools to local nonprofits (even as they cancelled fundraising events and faced an increase in demand for services).
We created the Resilient Stanislaus Fund in the early days of the pandemic to fund small businesses as well as nonprofits focused on youth services as well as performing arts organizations. We have hosted webinars attended by hundreds of nonprofit leaders. And we have coordinated with other funders focused on our community, to ensure that our collective giving is informed and impactful.
Our community needs our collective generosity now, more than ever. That is why we surveyed over 60 local nonprofits, to truly assess their challenges, how they have shifted in the past year, and what lies ahead. We are honored to share the 2020 ‘State of the Nonprofit Sector’ report with you.
There are several ways to make an impact with your giving:
Support local nonprofits: The attached report is highlights the evolving needs of local nonprofits. We trust this information helps you understand the immediate and likely future impact of COVID-19 on Stanislaus County’s nonprofit sector, and we encourage you to donate to your favorite nonprofits today.
Contribute to the Resilient Stanislaus Fund: Created by Stanislaus Community Foundation, the fund allows for pooled donations to achieve greater impact. The goal of the Resilient Stanislaus Fund is to provide both short-term relief and long-term economic recovery. For more information please visit www.stanislauscf.org.
Open a Donor Advised Fund: A charitable vehicle administered by Stanislaus Community Foundation. Donor Advised Funds are ideal for families who want to give to one or multiple organizations and programs throughout the year. Donor Advised Funds are invested by Stanislaus Community Foundation and donors receive a monthly fund statement that highlights investment earnings and grants made by the donor. Think of these funds as a charitable checking account! You or your family can add to the fund at any time and receive the maximum tax benefit at the time your contribution, while having the freedom to give to your favorite charity at any time too.
As we close out 2020 and look ahead, we remain optimistic for our community. Our optimism is due to the hard work we witness daily among local nonprofits and partners, and our hope is even more alive thanks to generous community members like you.