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Nonprofits report drop in donations
A slumping economy has a two-fold effect on charities and other nonprofits: fewer donations coming in but more people in need of help.
In the past six months, Loudoun Interfaith Relief, a local food bank, was helping 50 families a day, up from a previous normal of 35, according to its executive director, Bonnie Inman.
"Our lobby was so packed, we couldn't move," she said. To make room, the charity recently moved from downtown Leesburg to a larger space on the outskirts of town.
What she needs most, now? "Money, definitely," she said.
Because of the current economic malaise, charities across the county have reported a drop in donations while facing a similar situation as Loudoun Interfaith Relief -- more people seeking help.
"I think a lot of charities are hurting right now," Inman said.
Vickie Koth is director of finance and operations at the Good Shepherd Alliance, which provides shelter for Loudoun's homeless.
The nonprofit is currently paying a lease and mortgage on two buildings as it transitions headquarters from Leesburg to Ashburn.
While volunteers and donated items still are plentiful, the gloomy state of the economy, Koth said, has hurt cash contributions.
"Financial giving is a challenge," she said. "People in Loudoun are always willing to volunteer and give in-kind donations. But financial giving is a little harder."
Charities are a large force in Loudoun, which has 788 registered nonprofits, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, with revenues totaling $790 million.
And while residents' ability to contribute to these groups has shrunk, the county also is struggling to give more, mostly because of sinking revenues from a bad housing market.
In early April, supervisors adopted a budget that includes $6,000 less for charities than what County Administrator Kirby Bowers had originally proposed. Leesburg also intends to cut back the amount it gives charities this year. What's more, to have better accountability over its contributions, the board set up a review group to determine which charities will receive county money. It's supposed to report back to supervisors in May with recommendations.
The Round Hill Arts Center requested about $69,000 from Loudoun this year. It relies on donations, memberships and sales to keep running. In May, it will hold a fundraiser for a future expansion. It needs additional space to house its popular monthly jam sessions.
More so than lagging donations, Hope Hanes, the center's artistic director, said the center is being hurt more by dropping sales because of low "foot traffic."
Round Hill is about 13 miles from Leesburg and 20 from the county's population center of Ashburn -- drives that seem like pricey journeys when gas is approaching $4 a gallon.
"People don't want to drive as far," she speculated. "A couple years ago, someone from Leesburg wouldn't think twice about driving out here. Now they do. It's tough."
Contact the reporter at jjacks@timespapers.com
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