This is a template email you can customize for your nonprofit or association to communicate with donors about how COVID19 is impacting your programs and staff.
SUBJECT: COVID19 and <<YOUR NONPROFIT>>
Dear <<FIRST NAME>>, <<YOUR NONPROFIT>>, like many of you, continues to monitor evolving developments daily regarding COVID-19. I sincerely hope that you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. I understand this is priority one for every family now, but I also wanted to take a moment to update you on <<YOUR NONPROFIT>>’s status because you are a dedicated partner.
[IF YOUR NONPROFIT IS RESPONDING TO COVID19 WITH NEW SERVICES: In response to COVID19, <<YOUR NONPROFIT>> is <<details on new services>>. It is our responsibility to adapt and serve our stakeholders during this challenging time, to the best of our ability.
Please know that <<YOUR NONPROFIT>> will continue to carry out our mission. <<BLURB ABOUT PROGRAMS THAT ARE CONTINUING NORMAL OPERATIONS, LINK TO PROGRAM WEBSITES>>.
Changes are being made to some of our programs to protect individuals who may be more susceptible to COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission. <<OUTLINE ADAPTED PROGRAMS AND LINK TO PROGRAM WEBSITES>>.
We have canceled <<LIST EVENTS/IN-PERSON PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN CANCELED>>. We do not take lightly the cancellation of any event, and the impact it has on everyone involved. Nonetheless, we know that this is the right decision, that we must do our part to help keep our communities safe and healthy through this challenging time.
We have also taken steps to ensure the safety of our team and we are <<OUTLINE STEPS FOR STAFF SAFETY. IF WORKING REMOTE, ADD SOMETHING LIKE: "Rest assured, as we are working remotely, staff are accessible via email and phone to serve stakeholders and ensure continuity of operations. I recognize that the ability to work from home is a privilege and we are all incredibly grateful to everyone who must continue to go to work to make sure the rest of us are taken care of.>> This situation is fluid and will continue to impact our communities in changing ways, and we will continually adapt our programs to achieve our mission of <<BRIEF MISSION SUMMARY>>. I take comfort in knowing that there are incredible people like you in the world who are compassionate, resilient, and who consistently give back. I will keep you informed as we take additional action. <<LEADER NAME>>
<<TITLE>> <<YOUR NONPROFIT>> P.S. The best guidance is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Follow public health guidance regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
P.P.S. Melanie Davis-Jones from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy wrote a blog article outlining ways you can help local nonprofits during this trying time.