Adversity Fuels Generosity
A truth revealed by the pandemic: Adversity fuels generosity.
Sonora Area Foundation (SAF) has been fortunate to witness this principle in practice through the outpouring of support received by its Community Recovery Fund (CRF). In March of last year, SAF opened the CRF to assist local nonprofits in their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; to date, CRF donations have topped $387,000 and more than $330,000 in grants have been awarded. These grants have supported an array of programs and services – from bread for the hungry to helping complete an emergency evacuation road project.
While CRF monies have benefitted many, much need remains, as the pandemic’s repercussions will likely continue well into 2021. SAF has surveyed local nonprofits, and the results are telling. Five organizations reported combined revenue losses of $125,000 from canceled fundraisers; for one nonprofit, such a cancelation meant the loss of 85 percent of its annual budget. Several report severe financial strain, and a couple of nonprofits are unsure of their organizations’ future financial stability. The CRF was established to help nonprofits adapt and adjust to these pandemic-related challenges.
As a community foundation, SAF exists to better Tuolumne County not only through awarding grants, but also assisting donors and leading the community. SAF has the flexibility to respond quickly to urgent funding needs, and it charges no administrative fees – 100 percent of donated monies go to the organization, cause or project specified by the donor. Gifts to the CRF stay in Tuolumne County and help nonprofits continue to provide vital programs and services.
Not only do CRF donations stay local, donors may realize tax benefits from their gifts, as well. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, allowing non-itemizing taxpayers to claim a deduction of up to $300 in cash contributions ($600 per couple) made to nonprofits (such as SAF), has been extended for 2021. As an additional incentive, our Board of Directors is once again offering a match of up to $100,000 on contributions to the CRF! Please consider supporting your community by contributing to the Community Recovery Fund. You can mail a check to our office or make a donation online at sonora-area.org/funds/donate-now.
Thinking of a larger gift, and interested in becoming more involved in the community? Consider opening a donor-advised fund (DAF). With a minimum gift of $5,000, donors may open a DAF, name it, and determine its purpose – from anything as broad as general charitable purposes to anything as specific as food and clothing for those in need, for example. For information on opening a DAF, contact Executive Director Darrell Slocum at (209) 533-2596 or darrell@sonora-area.org.
Please consider a gift to Sonora Area Foundation today. Your generosity will help our community rebound from adversity, and strengthen it into 2021 and beyond.
