Optimism Outweighs Uncertainty: COVID-19 Financial Impact Report

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability received 1,341 responses in a survey conducted between May 12 and May 27. The survey targeted leaders of evangelical churches (684) and Christ-centered nonprofits (657) attempting to understand how both groups were weathering the financial difficulties of the pandemic. The study found that churches are more optimistic (69%) than Nonprofits (46%) about future cash donations. Among nonprofits focused on evangelism and homelessness they remained the most optimistic at 62% and 60% of respondents respectively reporting optimism regarding their finances. Educational nonprofits are the least financially optimistic at 29% reporting thusly. Larger nonprofits were more financially optimistic than smaller nonprofits, and smaller congregations were more likely to apply for PPP than larger congregations. The survey shows how the financial impacts of the pandemic were not equitabily felt across congregations and nonprofits.