News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The financial effects of COVID-19 shutdowns are leading local nonprofits to find new funding sources.
One way to help is through The Big Payback, a 24 hour period to easily donate money to Middle Tennessee charities. Dawn Raines, Executive Director of the Stephens Center in Livingston, said donations could help make up for some of their lost funding.
“Right now we have lost some funding and some donations, especially due to COVID-19,” Raines said. “Some of the sources we normally get have been rerouted to either tornado repair or to COVID-19 relief.”
Raines said with the cutbacks the Stephens Center faced, they now have a $40,000 shortfall in their budget. She said they would have to find new income sources to make up the deficit.
“The Big Payback could be so beneficial to our agency, especially with the matching funds” Raines said. “We have participated in The Big Payback for several years.”
The Big Payback supports over 950 nonprofits in the 40 counties that make up Middle Tennessee each year. This year, over $240,000 dollars of matching funds area available from different charitable foundations.
The Stephens Center promotes healthy families through parenting classes, home visits, and community education programs. It is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.
“Our general mission is to strengthen families and improve the family unit so it functions more effectively, the parents better bond with their children, and to keep all the family units we serve intact hopefully with no DCS involvement,” Raines said.
Outside of monetary donations, the Stephens Center can always use donations of items families need on a daily basis.
“We always accept food donations, diapers, wipes, new or gently used children’s clothing, and toys,” Raines said. “Especially around Christmas, we are always in need of clothes and toys to help provide for families. School supplies are always handy, and we can always use new backpacks.”
The Big Payback continues through Thursday. Donations can be made at https://www.thebigpayback.org/index.php.
