On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of The Nelson Foundation, I am reaching out to let you know that we continue to think about you and are available to be a resource and support when needed. Jenny and I have been in touch with many of you over the last weeks and without being a burden to you, we remain interested in learning about the challenges as well as successes you, your organization, and communities served have had during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the subsequent societal and economic disruptions, including:

  • Program adaptations and shifts in services provided to meet community needs — successes and challenges
  • Staff well being and needs
  • CARES Act successes and challenges
  • Funding received and declined related to COVID-19, including grants from COVID-19 funds and other sources

At the Foundation, we remain busy preparing for our early June Board meeting, monitoring the health of our grantee partners and their communities, and determining next steps in support of you all. We continue to look for and have identified possible useful resources, including an article published by SeaChange Capital Partners, called “Tough Times Call for Tough Action: A Decision Framework for Nonprofit Leaders and Boards,” and a presentation prepared by The Scattergood Foundation titled “Managing Your Emotional Health” during the COVID-19 crisis.

Finally, I know this is an extremely trying time, and (if you are like me) you may feel distracted and have difficulty staying focused. Nevertheless, I have tried to remain mindful of other important initiatives, e.g. the 2020 Census, which my household just recently completed. Now, more than ever, an accurate census count is critically important, so if you are able to complete the census yourself, encourage staff, and / or where appropriate take steps to encourage your participants’ families to complete the 2020 Census, please do so. Here is also a link if you or others you know would like to volunteer in Philadelphia (with training provided on the Census and COVID-19 resources) to make phone calls.

Jenny and I are thinking about you and the communities you serve every day. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Take Care,
Mindy