MNN and Philanthropy Massachusetts asked nonprofits about the current and anticipated impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on their programs, services, and operations. Here are the results.
Thank you to those who have shared their experiences with and preparations for the COVID-19 outbreak through the Flash Poll. MNN and Philanthropy Massachusetts received over 950 responses to the Flash Poll from nonprofits of all sizes, sub-sectors, and from all regions of the state.

Below is a report of the responses organized by question. (Note that some of the questions and responses have been combined.)

MNN is working with government officials and nonprofit leaders on the issues nonprofits are facing in the coronavirus crisis. Read more about MNN's policy response  here .

A list of resources, policy updates, and philanthropy/government-led relief efforts to aid nonprofits in responding to COVID-19 can be found on MNN's website here . This list is updated daily. Reach out to  Fernando Martinez  with any questions.
Has your organization been impacted by the spread of the coronavirus, or do you expect it to be impacted?
Over 95% of respondents said that they were experiencing or anticipated experiencing impacts as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Estimate the level of severity that any impacts are currently having or are predicted to have on the programs, services, or operations of your organization.
52% of respondents characterized the severity of impacts as “high” (defined as “significant disruptions”), 43% characterized the severity as “moderate” (defined as “minor disruptions”), and 5% characterized the severity as "low" (defined as "little to no impact").
Which of the following impacts has your organization experienced or does it anticipate experiencing?
Respondents selected the specific impacts on their organizations as follows:
  • Cancellations of programs or events (e.g. fundraisers) and corresponding losses in revenues: 89%
  • Disruptions of services to clients and communities: 67%
  • Budgetary implications related to strains on the economy: 60%
  • Increased and sustained staff and volunteer absences: 47%
  • Disruption of supplies or services provided by partners: 28%
  • Increased demand for services/support from clients and communities: 25%
Has your organization responded, or does it anticipate responding, to the spread of the coronavirus in any of the following ways?
Respondents selected the specific responses of their organizations as follows:
  • Rescheduling or canceling programs and events (e.g. fundraisers): 92%
  • Staying informed via news and updates from the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health: 91%
  • Encouraging proper hand hygiene and reminding employees of proper cough and sneeze etiquette: 89%
  • Encouraging employees who feel sick to stay at home: 87%
  • Changing in-person events to virtual events using video conferencing software (e.g. Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.): 74%
  • Revisiting or instituting updated remote work and sick leave policies and updating employees: 64%

Note: Between the poll's launch last Wednesday and its close yesterday, many more nonprofits have closed offices, instituted work-from-home policies, or paused operations. Actual numbers may be higher.
Are you experiencing, or do you anticipate, a decrease in revenue and/or an increase in expenses as a result of the COVID-19 crisis?
63% of respondents reported that they are experiencing or anticipated experiencing a decrease in their revenue as a result of the the COVID-19 crisis. 14% of respondents reported no change and 23% of respondents reported that they were unsure.

31% of respondents reported that they were experiencing or anticipated experiencing an increase in their expenses. 47% of respondents reported no change, and 22% reported that they were unsure.
Are there any resources or guidance that MNN and Philanthropy Massachusetts could provide or share on COVID-19 preparation and response?
The majority of respondents reported needing resources to weather the COVID-19 crisis in the forms of:
  • financial relief;
  • information and best practices on how to respond to the crisis; and
  • remote work/work from home support, including sample policies and access to affordable software.