Let’s start by agreeing that this year, the calendar year is not the best structure for reflection; 2020 started in March. The first few times I sat down to collect my thoughts and reflect on the year for that hallowed nonprofit tradition, the annual report, I shied away from the task. What to say about a year that brought so much loss and struggle?
The bright spots of 2020 came about when inequities came into sharper focus and innovators took action.
In the midst of harrowing times, the nonprofits in Greater Sum’s network did some profoundly important work. I’m proud to say that Greater Sum staff and volunteers helped to clear roadblocks and smooth their paths. Writing up a reflection on the past year reminded me that “looking for the helpers” is not just comforting, it’s also an opportunity to engage and support their work.
When the realities of COVID became apparent, we contacted our grantees to ensure that they know that
1) Greater Sum funding is unrestricted and intended to help them meet challenges in the way they saw fit and
2) our volunteer network stood ready to support them any way we could.
Here’s just a taste of what our 2020 Nonprofit Cohort accomplished.
Online training for Child Life Specialists to address the needs of kids in crisis worldwide
Emergency funds for survivors of gender-based violence and financial abuse
Tech support coupled with emotional support for older adults in isolation
Greater Sum launched a new program model in 2020, and our new online Virtual Incubator for Nonprofits met a need for online coaching and community, allowing us to support more nonprofits than ever before. Learn more about our year’s activities and our new cohort of nonprofits HERE. And one final note: If you’re not signed up for Greater Sum’s newsletter, now would be a good time. We’ll be sharing more nonprofit good news and good ideas in the months ahead, giving you the opportunity to support work that inspires you.
