Local non-profits say they're hurting for donations

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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – With the holiday season behind us, many local non-profits are experiencing what seems to be fatigue in donations.

 The funding shortage threatens crucial services for people in the community.

Representatives from the United Way say it’s an ongoing trend that’s being seen throughout our area.

They pointed out things like the holidays and recent hurricanes made a major dent in donations.

For more than a decade, the Social Development Commission  (SDC) has been assisting families like Shada Burks with free tax preparation through their volunteer income tax assistance program or VITA.

"I have three children and I'm a self published author," says Burks. "Sometimes the return isn't as big so you really can't afford to make that big large payment for the preparation."

While tax season is in full swing, the organization currently faces problems of their own – a shortage of nearly $30,000 in donations.

"We may have to close a location or or we may have to reduce our hours," says Al Smith, board member of the Social Development Foundation. "Or we may have to shut the program down."

They’re not alone.

Nonprofits in the area like the Hunger Task Force and the Salvation Army have also seen a decline.

"We also have a community with significant need," says Nicole Angresano, vice president of community impact with United Way Milwaukee. "Sometimes the need outpaces the fundraising."

Angresano feels it boils down to awareness and sometimes something as simple as volunteering.

“Might that free up some money because a company decides to give some skill based volunteering to an agency. Well, that then can free up the agency to focus more on fundraising or to use dollars in a different way,” says Angresano.

The SDC says if they don’t raise enough funds, they could close shop for their free tax services before the March deadline.

To help local organizations in our area, please see the links below.

United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County: https://www.unitedwaygmwc.org/Donate

Hunger Task Force: https://www.hungertaskforce.org/donations/donate-money

Salvation Army:

  • By mail, send in a check: The Salvation Army, 11315 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
  • Text “Milwaukee” to 41444
  • Donate online at www.SAmilwaukee.org


Social Development Commission: https://www.cr-sdc.org/SDC.htm

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