Donors across the country have made sure non-profit organizations continue to provide services to the community. The Blackbaud Institute 2020 Charitable Giving Report shows a two percent increase in charitable giving over 2019 total despite a significant drop at the onset of the pandemic. The average donation increased $120 to $737. Often serving on the frontlines of emergencies, Door County Community Foundation President and CEO Bret Bicoy says charities addressing human services saw the biggest gains in 2020. Despite the gains, challenges remain.

Another challenge Bicoy says is that some Door County charitable organizations addressing the arts and environmental causes have seen donations plummet due to the increasing need for human services, which has shifted those dollars to other places. The Door County Emergency Response Fund has collected over $1.1 million since the beginning of the pandemic.