Indian River County nonprofits that rely on federal dollars for part of their funding are bracing for what could be a substantial hit as the government shutdown continues.
Last week, United Way of Indian River County sent a survey to approximately 75 local nonprofits: the 36 partner organizations under the United Way umbrella and other area 501(c)(3) organizations to determine the possible impact to each.
The survey questions: What impact is the federal government shutdown having on your organization? What impact is the shutdown having on your clients? Will your agency suspend any program services? If yes, when do you anticipate having to suspend program services?
United Way Director of Community Impact Nate Bruckner expects most responses within a week, allowing United Way and nonprofit leaders to begin making assessments and formulating strategies.
Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County Executive Director Angela Davis-Green is worried about the organization’s U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-funded Child Care Food Program, which is due to be renewed at the end of February. More than 23 percent of Indian River County residents are “food insecure,” according to the EOC website.
Right now, says Davis-Green, “it’s just a waiting game.”
Ray Carson, Regional Media Advocacy Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, says the ACS receives no significant federal funding but he is concerned about the impact on federally-funded cancer research programs as the shutdown continues.
Habitat for Humanity of Indian River County, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, “has not felt it yet, but there could be a delayed effect,” says President/CEO Sheryl Vittitoe, noting that other Habitat affiliates have already felt the pain.
A news release put out by Habitat states “funding delays caused by the shutdown are impacting some of Habitat for Humanity’s ability to process new mortgage loans and move forward with existing and planned construction projects.”