(Radio Iowa) – The pandemic is straining Iowa non-profits and their donors with significant drops in fundraising and volunteers. While some groups found new ways to get resources to those in need, other shelters and food banks can’t meet demand. Kari McCann Boutell, president of the Iowa Council of Foundations, says COVID-19 has forced many Iowans to turn to the organizations they once helped support.

She encourages those Iowans who can no longer afford to make a monetary donation to a community foundation or charity to consider volunteering for those agencies instead.

She says foundations are finding new ways to meet Iowans’ needs, but are still eager for volunteers to help support their work — and to do so safely.

(By Kate Payne, Iowa Public Radio)