About the Survey
The United Way of Calhoun County began assessing our partner agencies' needs based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey compiles a 100% response rate from our 11 partner agencies. Aside from the impact topics presented in the chart, all of our partner agencies (100%) have reported changes to the manner in which they work with clients and adjustments to staffing.
Fundraising & Revenue Impact
The financial situation of our local partner agencies has been impacted significantly. 91% of our local partner agencies reported some degree of decrease to their fundraising efforts and revenue, with 73% reporting significant decreases, largely due to canceled fundraising events/activities and canceled pledges/donations due to personal financial hardships and increased rates of unemployment. The 9% reporting a slight increase provide food bank services as demand for food sources has soared locally and nationally.
Operational Costs Impact
The majority of our local partner agencies (63%) have reported some degree of increase in their operational costs. 45% of agencies reported somewhat of an increase and 18% reported significant increases to their operational costs, largely due to increased service needs, increased staffing measures, and increased cleaning/sanitation. The 9% reporting a significant decrease in operational costs is due to a significant furlough in staff and decreased work rates.
Volunteer & Event Impact
All of our local partner agencies (100%) reported some degree of decrease in their volunteer and event activities. 73% reported significant decreases and 27% reported somewhat of a decrease in their activities, largely due to cancellation or postponement of activities to comply with local, state, and national health and safety guidelines.
Service Need Impact
The majority of our local partner agencies (63%) reported some degree of increase in service needs. 36% reported significant increases and 27% reported somewhat of an increase in service needs for agencies providing substance abuse treatment, assistance to senior citizens (transportation, nutritious meals, and referral services), childcare, resources for family violence, homelessness, and sexual assault, rent assistance, infant essentials (diapers, formula), and food/nutritional resources. The 18% reporting somewhat of a decrease provides legal/court services that have been postponed or rescheduled.