After pandemic losses, nonprofits hope for successful holiday fundraising season

Published: Thursday, November 25, 2021 - 12:46pm

The days after Thanksgiving aren’t only for shopping — after Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a nationwide day for charitable giving. After a difficult two years, many Arizona nonprofits are hoping for a successful fundraising season over the next few weeks.

The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits estimates organizations in the state have upwards of $433 million in revenue as a result of the pandemic.

Jennifer Purcell, with the Alliance, said nonprofits have had to cancel fundraisers and have seen volunteer hours drop off. At the same time, demand has soared for food banks and homelessness services.

“Then on the flip side, for arts organizations, museums, those sorts of groups, they’re still not back to 100% capacity for all of their events," Purcell said. 

Purcell says this holiday season will be especially important for nonprofits. 

“Year-end fundraising is a huge component for Arizona nonprofits, as it is for nonprofits across the country. For some organizations, it can be up to 60% of their annual budget,” Purcell said. 

For those looking to donate, Purcell said the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofit's site, AZGives.org includes a searchable directory of more than 1,000 Arizona organizations.