MENTOR Aims to Expand Virtual Mentoring During A Time of Social Distancing

According to our June 2020 survey of Star rated nonprofits, 72% of organizations have suffered financially due to the pandemic. Additionally, 54% of respondents have cut back on program services due to the pandemic/economic shutdown. To overcome this disruption and to continue to serve communities, many nonprofits are adapting and innovating. 

Today, we are honored to share a first-hand account of what innovation and 

adaptation look like during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 

economic crisis from MENTOR.

MENTOR works to advance equity and close the mentoring gap because we believe all young people deserve the opportunity to explore and fulfill their potential. We create solutions that prioritize relationships for young people, help volunteers find youth mentoring opportunities, and leverage the diverse expertise of staff, youth, and local Affiliates to develop resources for quality mentoring, including the foundational Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. As we mark National Mentoring Day in October, and soon National Mentoring Month in January, we’re continuing our focus on expanding access to meaningful connections for young people within the digital environment – helping ensure that physical distance does not lead to social disconnection.

Addressing Critical Needs in Native Communities During COVID-19 and Beyond

Upon notification of the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential impact on the entire globe, Tribal nations implemented some of the most stringent preventative measures to protect their communities. 

Pandemics and disease are far too familiar to Native American communities. The intentional introduction of smallpox into Native communities was one of our earliest introductions to the dangers that new viruses can present.  

It’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized each October. The annual observance began in 1981 as a day of unity to bring together battered women’s advocates across the country by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence affects millions of men and women around the world. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and about 835,000 men are victims of physical violence from their partner each and every year. However, domestic violence expands further than just bruises and black eyes, it’s humiliation, manipulation, threats, isolation, stalking and more. 

Philanthropic Strategies During the Pandemic & Pre-Election

Today, Charity Navigator has been graciously provided with an exclusive, first-hand account of charitable planning and giving by a married couple that utilize Charity Navigator’s tools and resources to inform their giving.  As donors who look at their support as an investment in the future of causes close to their hearts, they have remained committed to philanthropy during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how they structured their investment strategy before and, now, during months of an economic recession. 

Steps in advance of COVID-19

We have taken a number of steps in advance of major events that can ensure that we could continue to donate to nonprofit organizations.

Donors are looking for tools to help guide their giving in the pandemic.

When the pandemic hit the U.S. in March 2020, nonprofits across the country immediately mobilized to provide support in innumerable ways. Donors realized that donations were needed to support COVID-19 relief efforts, in addition to the charities they were already supporting. Those who were in a position to make additional donations gave generously. 

As a grantmaker, Vanguard Charitable has the privilege of working with donors as they support charities on the current crisis's front lines. Vanguard Charitable’s donors have given in record numbers because they are uniquely positioned to spring into action, with charitable funds already primed for sending. 

Navigating Access to Breast Cancer Detection, Prevention and Treatment Amid the Pandemic

According to our June 2020 survey of Star rated nonprofits, 72% of organizations have suffered financially due to the pandemic. Additionally, 54% of respondents have cut back on program services due to the pandemic/economic shutdown. To overcome this disruption and to continue to serve communities, many nonprofits are adapting and innovating. 

Today, we are honored to share a first-hand account of what innovation and 

adaptation look like during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent 

economic crisis from the Breast Cancer Alliance.

There are few words more terrifying for a patient to hear than “you have cancer.” While this COVID-19 pandemic has left all of us in its wake, be it the isolation, loss of jobs, health insurance, compromised health or the loss of a loved one, there has perhaps never been a more frightening time to be grappling with a cancer diagnosis as well.