Travel Restrictions Have Put Global Nonprofits Near Extinction

In 2019, FIMRC had 1,020 volunteers travel to our 10 project sites around the world. In 2020, that number halted at 163. This rapid decline in volunteers decreased FIMRC’s revenue by 84%. As a global nonprofit, FIMRC relies heavily on mostly Americans and Canadians donating thousands of dollars for the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of our Project Site locations including, Kodaikanal, India and Huancayo, Peru while serving medically underserved communities. 

FIMRC is struggling to make it to 2021 without the revenue from our global volunteer programs.

“Due to our fundraising model being largely dependent upon volunteer travel and program donations, we have seen a drastic decrease to our overall revenue in 2020,” explained Meredith Welsh, FIMRC’s CEO. “We have experienced a 63 percent decrease in overall income from this time last year, and expect to continue to feel the effects into 2021 and beyond.”

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has impacted a great number of individuals, businesses and nonprofits. FIMRC was obviously not spared from this trend. In an effort to make it to 2021, FIMRC has slashed its operating budget by 30 percent and within six weeks of the start of the United States quarantine, we have adapted all in-person volunteer opportunities to online, virtual experiences.  

“As a result of worldwide travel coming to a near halt, we were forced to quickly adapt our operations and begin exploring new opportunities for our partners, volunteers and communities alike,” Welsh said. “To date, we have had more than 300 participants join us for meaningful global health experiences that have taken place from home. We now offer online fellowships, volunteer experiences, clinical shadowing and much more for med students, medical professionals and those interested in public health.”

As many individuals and businesses alter course to survive the impacts COVID-19 has had on the world, nonprofits are no different. People like Welsh are doing everything they can to ensure that the local staff members FIMRC has on the ground in Peru, Costa Rica, India, The Philippines, Ecuador, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Uganda have funding and support to help those that need it most. 

How To Help

Even with the halt of international travel, there are multiple ways to help FIMRC, from the comfort and safety of your home. FIMRC’s virtual volunteer opportunities, as well as FIMRC chapterships, are great examples of how to get involved. Our virtual volunteer opportunities offer volunteers the chance to contribute to one of FIMRC’s 10 Project Sites while being taught by experts in the field, while our chapterships give college students the opportunity to work with FIMRC while receiving school credit. We are extremely grateful for those who continue to support FIMRC during these difficult times, and we are here to answer any questions you may have regarding how to volunteer from home, as well as testimonials from past online volunteers who shared their stories of volunteering with FIMRC.  

Our Mission

FIMRC works to provide adequate healthcare services to our communities across the globe. Right now, we need your help to help make our mission possible. This month, we’ve begun our Global Impact Campaign, raising funds for FIMRC so that we can continue to do the work that moves us, helping those in need through our clinical services, health education, and special initiatives. To donate to FIMRC click here.