Many nonprofits are struggling financially right now, and some local organizations have stepped up to help; raising and distributing more than $600,000 already. But more help is needed.

"The nonprofit community is in the same boat so to speak as for profit businesses," said John Swann.

Swann is the Executive Vice President of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. He's recovering from COVID-19, and is trying to help nonprofits do the same; financially.

"A lot of people have told me, 'You're the only person I know who has the virus', and that may be true for them, but the fact is that anyone can get the virus. The community impact is going to continue to be great as a result, even for those who don't get the virus, and all the more need for people to come together," he said.

The organization teamed up with the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area, creating the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 Response Fund several weeks ago.

The fund has helped many nonprofits, including the Presbyterian Homes Foundation, with unexpected costs such as personal protective equipment.

"When we come into circumstances like this, places like The Community Foundation and United Way are ultimately a lifesaver for us. These expenses were things that were unbudgeted for, but were absolutely necessary," said Community Wellness Partners Vice President of Development and Marketing Lenora D'Apice.

More than $620,000 have been raised for the fund so far, but more than a million dollars is being requested by local nonprofits, so more donations are needed.

"No one knows for certain how long the lingering impacts will be with us, but it seems as though the economy now has suffered in a way that is going to reverberate even beyond the immediate impact of the pandemic," Swann said.

Nonprofits are encouraged to look into sharing services to try to save costs.

More information about the fund can be found here.