COVID-19 Tools and Resources for Nonprofits

Updated August 5, 2021

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As nonprofits cautiously emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, many face ongoing uncertainty about what comes next. For 40 years, NFF has provided nonprofits with finance, consulting, and actionable insights to strengthen nonprofit organizations and improve the nonprofit funding system. In addition to the resources we produced before COVID-19, we have designed a special set of tools to help nonprofits weather the current crisis and thrive in the long term. We hope these webinars, blog posts, and step-by-step guides can support you.  

If you have a question and you can't find the answer here, check out our Ask NFF page. 

Table of Contents

Webinar series: managing in and beyond COVID-19

In the spring of 2020 we recorded a webinar series designed to support nonprofits through the COVID-19 crisis. You can view those webinars here. 

NFF core webinar content

In addition to the COVID-19 webinars above, we have made our core webinar content available free of charge. While these webinars were recorded before the pandemic, they contain content that will help nonprofits manage through and beyond the current crisis. 

Financial tools for nonprofits (and how to use them)

During the pandemic, these tools have been among our most frequently requested resources. We have also prepared short video walk-throughs of our Cash Flow Projection and Scenario Planning tools. 

(Please click "CC" in the video player to access captions) 

Paycheck Protection Program and other government funding

The federal government has launched several programs intended to support nonprofits (and businesses) through the pandemic. Here is an overview of these programs, including resources from NFF and beyond. 

Note: as of July 28, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. If your nonprofit has not yet applied for PPP forgiveness and you have a PPP loan of $150,000 or less, check with your lender to see if you can apply for loan forgiveness directly through the SBA.

Over 600 lenders are allowing their borrowers to apply for forgiveness through this portal. You can also view the list of lenders who are participating in the direct forgiveness program here.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the PPP to help businesses and nonprofits keep their employees on the payroll. You may be eligible for a forgivable loan through this program.

Among those offering PPP funding is Optus Bank, a Black-owned bank and CDFI that has built an online platform to service these loans efficiently and welcomes nonprofit business. 

Note: NFF is not a PPP lender. You may search for PPP lenders using the databases below. 

Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) 

This SBA program offers grants (not loans) to theaters, venues, and other spaces dependent on live performance for revenue. Both businesses and nonprofits may apply. Organizations may apply for both SVOG and PPP funding.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) 

In addition to the PPP, the SBA also offers the EIDL program. Terms of these loans are different than PPP loans; in addition, these loans are not restricted to payroll and related expenses. 

Resources for funders: how you can best support nonprofits

Additional resources (including survey data)

NFF finance, consulting, and accessible insights

NFF launched and/or administered several low- and no-interest loan funds and consulting projects in direct response to COVID-19. 

NFF is committed to supporting nonprofits through the pandemic and beyond through our core offerings: finance, consulting, and accessible insights. 

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