Local nonprofits suffer as coronavirus cancels spring fundraisers

"We are trying to collectively to solve some of the biggest challenges for mankind today," said Kathleen Ruddy, the chief executive officer of St. Baldrick's Foundation.

She says the nonprofit sector accounts for 20% of the national economy. That was before the pandemic.

"I think every nonprofit is challenged today," said Ruddy.

That's why they've refocused on more modest donations of just $20, if not more. Ruddy says it's an effort "to help ensure that the research pipeline survives and is intact for kids to get the futures they deserve."

Ruddy adds that fundraising organizations now have limited resources, "Because donors always prefer that the money go to direct services or programs versus saving a little for a rainy day."

That kind of thinking, she says, needs to change so that the organizations might be better prepared to endure a year like this one.