Maine nonprofit group publishes reopening plan for charitable organizations
File Photo / Maine Association of Nonprofits
Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits
As Maine's economy starts to reopen after pandemic lock-downs, the Maine Association of Nonprofits has published a digital guide on how nonprofits can safely reopen.
"Reopening with Purpose: Guidance for Maine Nonprofits Impacted by the Pandemic," downloadable for free via the organization's website, aims to help Maine charitable organizations assess how to safely reopen offices, resume or expand in-person services and reimagine their mission-driven work.
The guidebook includes checklists, public health recommendations and other considerations for employers.
“Looking forward, as we shift from a sprint mindset to that of a marathon, there are many procedures to follow and formative questions to ponder,” said Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits.
She added that "it will be up to each organization’s leadership to determine for themselves when and how to unlock the doors. To assist in this effort, we are sharing this set of guidelines and recommendations, specific to Maine nonprofits, to complement resources from other state and nonprofit organizations.”
Maine nonprofits employ about 98,000 people, representing about one of six Maine jobs. That's greater than the national proportion of one out of 10 workers employed by a nonprofit.
Hutchins told Mainebiz in April that Maine's nonprofits are in an "extremely tough spot" due to the public health crisis, expressing concern about ability to weather a protracted economic downturn.
"I am definitely concerned about the long-term sustainability of our nonprofits," Hutchins said in an interview. "Just like businesses, we know they're laying hundreds of people off, so I'm afraid if they don't have reserve funds, it's going to be really challenging for them to make ends meet and come back."
That puts many in an "extremely tough spot," she added.
A spokesperson for the organization told Mainebiz on Tuesday that almost 400 organizations have downloaded the guide since it was released last week, and that many nonprofits are not covered by the industry-specific guidance available to date.
The group is also hearing from nonprofits seeking free or affordable personal protective equipment and other cleaning supplies.
Other resources
In addition to the new guide, the Maine Association of Nonprofits offers are an online library of public health recommendations, industry-specific checklists and tools, sample policies and a dedicated page with up-to-date resources and information on COVID-19 specific to Maine nonprofits.
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