Feedback from WNC Nonprofits
WNC Nonprofit Pathways "Rising Above Survey"
This report shares findings from a survey of nonprofit leaders across Western North Carolina on the short- and long-term impacts of Hurricane Helene, the effects of recent federal policy changes, and current organizational needs. Commissioned by WNC Nonprofit Pathways and Dogwood Health Trust, the research was led by Openfields and conducted online from May 28 to July 6, 2025.
Some Key takeaways from the "Rising Above Survey" which served as inspiration for the wncHelp app:
Peer Connection, crisis support, mental health services
"Beyond funding, nonprofit leaders seek peer connection, crisis support, and mental health services to sustain their work. They also want greater capacity, collaboration and visibility to strengthen their impact."
Increase in food insecurity and anxiety and depression
"Anecdotal evidence points to worsened food insecurity and anticipated increases in mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which often do not surface until months after a disaster.”
Capacity issues: having too much product, not enough volunteers
"Some organizations struggled to manage influxes of donations, which required storage and volunteer capacity they did not have."
Building a mutual aid network for long-term recovery
"Still others are taking actions focused on strengthening both the physical and social infrastructure that communities rely on during and after disasters. Some are adapting their buildings to serve as community hubs in emergencies; others are training staff in crisis response, leading a long-term recovery group, fiscally sponsoring new relief organizations, launching a large-scale volunteer initiative, or building a mutual aid network."
Improving emergency coordination
"Some organizations are building relationships with local governments or other partners to improve emergency coordination"
A supportive, interconnected regional system of support and care "Respondents report high confidence and optimism, yet also identify a clear need for peer connection, crisis support, and mental health resources to sustain their work. Beyond funding, respondents are calling for capacity-building, stronger networks, and greater visibility, suggesting that their organizations’ long-term resilience will depend on both internal capacity and a supportive, interconnected regional system of support and care – for vulnerable populations, and for the organizations that serve them."
Investments that support resilience and sustainability across the entire regional nonprofit ecosystem
"Taken together, these suggestions highlight the need for broad and equitable investments that will support resilience and sustainability across the entire regional nonprofit ecosystem."