You know things are bad when even the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is worried about money. A recent posting on their website says, "The financial crisis is affecting everyone, from our foundation to our partners".

When corporations, foundations and individual donors cut back on their charitable giving, nonprofits suffer. Especially at this time of year, when most nonprofits count on their annual fundraising drives to bring in the revenue that will allow them to provide services next year. Making up the difference is not easy. It is not just a matter of asking them to cut corners or to get creative about raising money. They already do that. Constantly.

The reality is that some nonprofits may not survive. And a year from now, the people and communities that those organizations serve will really be hurting. Some organizations, however, are well positioned to weather the storm. Take for example, Checkoff Colorado, one of my clients.

Checkoff Colorado is a collaborative campaign for the charitable organizations that are part of Colorado's tax checkoff program. Anyone can make a big difference by making a small donation when they file their state income tax return. The campaign's tagline is "A Simple Way to Give," because the average donation is about $10. So even in hard times, everyone can feel like they helping a worthy cause.

I have always enjoyed helping nonprofit organizations get the attention they deserve for the important work they do. Public relations is a great way to do that, but you can also help by volunteering or joining a board or becoming a donor.

However we decide to get involved, the important thing is to not let the economy prevent us from remembering that as bad as things might seem, there are people who have it much worse. From Denver to Darfur, they need our help now more than ever.