COVID-19 philanthropy: Charitable giving in response to the pandemic
The rapid spread of a novel coronavirus has brought unprecedented changes to our lives – the ways people live, work and interact with one another. All around the world, we are keeping our distance in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus. Thankfully, we are also pulling together in ways the world has never seen.
Philanthropy’s response to the pandemic is likewise unprecedented.
Worldwide, funding for coronavirus response topped $8 billion in a matter of weeks, according to Candid, an organization that tracks and supports philanthropy. As of April 24, over 1,900* grants had been issued to support individuals who have fallen ill, small businesses struggling to cope, researchers working to develop treatments and a vaccine, and many others affected by the health crisis and its implications.
Raymond James Charitable has seen an increase in giving, as well. Because so many of you want to help during this global crisis, we want to provide you with information you can trust about ways to provide relief and support.
Recently, Raymond James Charitable entered into a partnership with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), a national resource dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact by making more intentional disaster-related giving decisions. CDP keeps close contact with non-profit agencies worldwide and has firsthand knowledge of exactly how funds are being used by these organizations during a crisis. As a result of our partnership, CDP has recommended a list of organizations for our donors to consider as the best options for providing relief to our community and the world at large as it relates to this pandemic.
Among the organizations recommended by CDP:
- Give Directly
- Mercy Corps
- Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
- IMA World Health
- National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
- Samaritan’s Purse
- Children’s Health Fund
- World Vision
- Salvation Army
- Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO)
- Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Vibrant Emotional Health
The Funding for coronavirus (COVID-19) site, produced by Candid, is another valuable resource that shares the many ways funders have already responded to COVID-19. Updated frequently, the page offers the latest information, including published requests for proposal submitted for emergency financial resources for individuals and small businesses facing hardships, as well as new funds established specifically in response to the pandemic.
These are frightening times for us all. The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike any other challenge in the history of our modern global community. While no one knows what the short-term future holds, on one thing we can be certain: We will help one another get through it.
