Some former crises:

• 1974: OPEC surfaces…gasoline jumps to $1 per gallon…people start stealing food.
• 1976: Swine flu…the virus crisis that wasn’t.
• 1987: A 20% one-day drop in the Dow.

The painful crises of the 1970s and 1980s are mostly forgotten. The current crisis, I expect, is going to have long-lasting effects, like the Great Depression.

In some ways, the current crisis is arguably worse than the Great Depression.

During the Great Depression, there were bread lines and social unrest. But one could get a haircut, eat in a restaurant, go to a dance or the movies, spend a day at the beach and have family members over for dinner.

People interacted normally.

Once coronavirus fades and government presence in everyday life retreats, “gaps” will need closing. Charities will be needed.

For charities, will “All clear!” mean back to business as usual? Not if society doesn’t simply return to the way it was.

In which case, charities will have to come up with new ways of reaching out to donors.

For example, a glowing message on glossy paper may not be well received in some quarters.

Maybe a good business opportunity will be producing anti-viral glossy paper for charities’ annual reports.

By Jon Tidd
 

CARES Act Communication

In response to the health and financial crisis caused by the coronavirus global pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been enacted. The law presents a plan for the government to aid Americans and businesses during these uncertain times. Among the charitable giving provisions, it includes a temporary, partial “above the line” charitable deduction for cash gifts (up to $300) in 2020 to encourage gifts by taxpayers who are unable to itemize under current tax law. The legislation also modifies the limitation on qualified charitable gifts of cash to 100% of AGI for itemizers in 2020.

To help you communicate these provisions with your donors, Sharpe Group has created a new brochure, The CARES Act: Good News When We Need It Most, which outlines all provisions affecting charitable giving in an easily digestible format. This brochure makes an ideal and welcome message to all current and prospective donors, especially in a targeted soft appeal to your gift planning prospects. It can also serve to educate your board, volunteers and staff.

Click here to learn more.
 

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