Demonstrating generosity during distress: the Phoenix startup community’s response to COVID-19

I’m working remotely today. As I’m sure many of you are. There have been so many responses to the COVID-19 emergency that I will tell you in advance: there isn’t much new that I’ll be saying here. I will keep this post targeted to the Phoenix startup community.

We will not be going to Mexico together

The first reason I’m writing this is to communicate that the #yesphx community has decided to postpone our annual trip to Mexico in which we build homes for families in need. We will revisit the possibility of a trip later this year once the emergency facing the world has been more fully resolved. While this is disappointing, and I’ve been greatly looking forward to the trip, this is the right thing to do at this juncture.

This said, our local nonprofit partner in this effort, 1MISSION, is facing a challenge through this coronavirus. In an open email sent out last week, founder Jason Law said:

As the world prepares for a crisis we all hope will come and go quickly, we want to share how coronavirus is impacting 1MISSION — and more importantly, how it’s threatening to impact the communities and families we serve.

In recent weeks, hundreds of build trip participants have canceled their trips to Mexico due to safety and/or health concerns. We expect those numbers to continue to rise.

Fortunately, houses are still being built. And locals continue to participate in community development initiatives. We’re grateful these life-changing programs continue, for now, without interruption.

At the same time, a significant part of our operational revenue comes from build trips. While we as organizational leaders anticipate emergencies and take active steps to prepare, recent trip cancellations have reached crisis levels. As a result, our cash reserves are now critically low.

With 100% of public donations allocated to projects and programs in the field, operational expenses are covered separately, by what we call the 1FUND. Funded by individuals, churches, foundations, companies, and through trip fees, the 1FUND provides crucial “unrestricted” donations. These gifts from committed partners enable us to continue our work each and every day.

Right now, we need your support. As a valued member of the 1MISSION family, please consider a one-time unrestricted gift today.

Let’s walk the walk

This email further illustrates the more important point I want to make.

As we seek to continue building the world’s most generous community for entrepreneurs, this situation marks a significant opportunity for us to walk our walk.

There has already been a swell of activity in our online communities where people have been asking for — and offering — help. Still, others may feel fairly powerless in what they can do. But the truth remains: While each one of us cannot do everything, we can all do something.

A few ways you can help

Consider donating to a nonprofit or two doing exceptional work or facing unique challenges through this outbreak. I would encourage everyone to give to 1MISSION as one of those organizations, but there are others to consider, too. If you know of any, please, share them in the comments below.

If you’re a startup founder, ask your team to work remotely. I’ve done that with my teams until further notice. But if your type of business does not allow for remote work, take the necessary precautions and extend everyone a way for your people to distance themselves. Everyone’s health is paramount.

If you’re a leader facing financial challenges because of the coronavirus, be clear with your team and work together to find creative ways to solve the problem. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — theirs or the community’s. Some of the strongest companies in the world were forged through the fire of challenge, downturns, and seemingly impossible odds.

As small local businesses are forced to shut down or a dramatic drop in business occurs, you might also consider buying a gift card to use with them after the chaos subsides. We all share a responsibility to keep money flowing through the local business community so that we do not see more dramatic economic challenges at the end of this season.

Finally, even if you’re not “the boss,” everybody has family, friends, and neighbors they can help during this time. Maybe that’s simply some encouragement sent from afar, or maybe it’s dropping off some (well sanitized) groceries at the doorstep of those who are elderly and more at risk were they to catch COVID-19.

Whatever platform you have, use it for good, not for yourself. Be wise, of course. But more importantly, be generous.