North Bay Non-profits forced to cancel fundraisers due to fire relief fatigue

Charity organizations worried that donors might feel too “burnt out” after supporting fire relief efforts to donate to other fundraisers

North Bay Non-profits forced to cancel fundraisers due to fire relief fatigue

Non-Profits & Charities

By Lyle Adriano

In response to the massive amounts of money being funneled into fire relief efforts in the North Bay area of San Francisco, CA, local non-profits are choosing to either cancel or reschedule their upcoming major fundraisers.

The non-profits are concerned that they might be stretching their donors too thinly if they hold their fundraisers so soon, especially after major fire relief charity efforts.

North Bay Business Journal reported that donations at Redwood Credit Union’s North Bay Fire Relief Fund have reached nearly $23 million, as of December 05. More than $14 million has been distributed towards those who had lost their homes in the fires, as of November 30.

Although the community wholeheartedly supports the cause to help wildfire victims, non-profits are concerned that their fundraising events will tank as a result.

“People that I know in the community say they usually give this time of year (to non-profits) but already gave to the fire fund,” said Alicia Alexander, fund development and communications coordinator for the PDI Surgery Center in Sonoma County.

PDI Surgery Center provides treatment for low-income children with severe tooth decay conditions, free of charge, with the treatments covered by donations.

“We don’t know how hard it’s going to be. We rely on donations this time of year. The need is still there. Unfortunately the devastation is all over, but there are still kids in pain and needing surgery,” Alexander explained.

PDI was forced to cancel its major fundraising event on October 12. The surgery center has also rescheduled its Make Kids Smile awards event for next year.

“We’re optimistic but unsure about how much funds will be raised at the event,” Alexander remarked.

PDI funding development and communications manager Hazel Whiteoak told North Bay Business Journal that the event usually raises about $150,000. However, she believes that the next few events will not be as successful.

“It’s kind of worrying. One of our board members told me not to expect that for the next three years,” she said.

Another non-profit in the area – Social Advocates for Youth – is also canceling its annual fundraiser. The organization provides housing and counseling for disadvantaged youth.

Shelby Harris, communications and marketing manager for SAY, said that nine of the leaders lost their homes in the fire, and the non-profit’s annual event will be moved to a later date.

Center for Volunteer & Non-profit Leadership Marin–Napa CEO Linda Jacobs said that she has spoken with several non-profits in the region and found that the fires have put a lot of stress on both staff and volunteers.

“They can’t concentrate on end-of-the year appeals. They are behind or have lost revenues,” Jacobs explained.

Jaocbs also added that there is a fear among non-profits that donors are “burnt out” on giving.


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