People all over the world rely on charitable nonprofit organizations to supply food, education, shelter, and several critical services that strengthen and nurture their communities. Nonprofits drive our economic development by providing jobs, supporting businesses, and fostering civic leadership. While their mission is to offer support, their existence also depends on support through volunteers, grants, and fundraising.
The ripple effects of Coronavirus have greatly impacted the health of nonprofits.
Devika Dalal, an award-winning New York-based creative, observed the new challenges that were being faced because of COVID-19. She notes, “I saw businesses shutting down and people losing their jobs. I started realizing the lockdown was triggering a greater web of effects. Those struggling with mental health could no longer seek help, domestic violence was increasing at home, wildlife conservations in Africa had lost their funding which came from tourism. Then there were new problems born out of the crisis, like getting food to front-line workers and restaurants shutting down.”
“I saw businesses shutting down and people losing their jobs. I started realizing the lockdown was triggering a greater web of effects. Those struggling with mental health could no longer seek help, domestic violence was increasing at home, wildlife conservations in Africa had lost their funding which came from tourism. Then there were new problems born out of the crisis, like getting food to front-line workers and restaurants shutting down.”
In response, she saw nonprofits struggling to pivot their efforts based on the effects of the crisis, needing help getting the message out, raising funds, and even creating awareness of their existence.
Devika was inspired to take action and launched Creativity for Kindness to connect nonprofits in need with talented creatives readily available and willing to help solve some of these marketing problems with creativity and design.
“We've got a really good network of talented creatives that’s constantly growing every day.”
Creativity for Kindness connects top creatives with nonprofits to offer pro bono support. In just one month, the organization has had over 50 extremely talented creatives from all over the world offering their skills and talents to nonprofits in need. Consistently receiving new project requests from nonprofits, Creativity for Kindness has been able to move swiftly finding willing creatives to help.
Devika was surprised at how quickly Creativity grew and was overwhelmed by the kindness of those offering their services, especially considering the struggles that they were facing as well. Many creative volunteers have demanding jobs or are currently unemployed due to the pandemic and hustling to get back on their feet, yet they're willing to jump in and lend a hand to the nonprofits in need.
“There are no borders with Creativity for Kindness - we're all working together for the greater good.”
Creativity for Kindness is honored to serve the community and inspired by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers at the nonprofits they’re working with. People all over the world have unified in responding to this pandemic, solving problems in real-time.
“We've got creatives in India helping nonprofits in Namibia and creatives in the US helping nonprofits in the UK,” remarks Devika.
Nonprofit service demand increases while resources decrease
Nonprofits need our help now more than ever. While working harder to support our communities struggling to handle the impact of the pandemic, a survey of almost 550 non-profits in 93 countries reported a 67% reduction in contributions, a 33% increase in cost, staffing and supply chain disruptions, as well as being forced to cancel major events that bring in support and awareness to their mission.
In addition to these setbacks, they have had to put extra resources into adapting work environments to secure the safety of their staff as well as try and meet elevated demands stemming from COVID-19.
Creativity for Kindness is a place for creatives to use their superpowers for good
Creativity for Kindness provides an invaluable way for people to contribute their unique talents and creative thinking to nonprofits struggling to find resources. If you have any skills or experience in marketing, advertising, or design, Creativity for Kindness is looking for volunteer creatives to join their network. They are open to all skill levels, including students, and will match with a project upon reviewing your profile and portfolio.
Other Ways You Can Help
One of the main ways that everyone can help is by spreading the word about Creativity for Kindness’ services. Whether you know a creative individual ready to help or you know a nonprofit that can excel from the aid, your extended audience can help drive the message further.
Simply spread the word and advise non-profits in need about Creativity for Kindness’ services.
Follow them on Instagram @creativityforkindness to learn more about how they are making a positive impact.
Are you a nonprofit that needs help? Visit www.creativityforkindness.org and submit a project request to be matched with volunteer creatives.
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