Giving Compass' Take:

• At The Aspen Institute, The McNulty Foundation shares the benefits of building trust during crisis on alleviating suffering in vulnerable communities.

• Why is trust an essential ingredient for community well-being and donor support? How are you building trust during crisis and ensuring that your giving is serving those in need?

• Learn more about giving towards funds that demonstrate trust and effectiveness in the coronavirus response effort.

In the wake of COVID-19, the McNulty Foundation, in partnership with the Aspen Global Leadership Network, created the Global Response Fund to address the devastating impacts of the pandemic in the most vulnerable communities around the globe. Since late March, the Global Response Fund has awarded over $550,000 grants to projects in over 20 countries, all led by high-integrity, entrepreneurial leaders of the AGLN. Below the McNulty Foundation team explores some of the lessons learned, both from engaging with these Fellows and communities during this crisis, and from more than 12 years of recognizing and supporting social change and transformative leadership.

The COVID-19 crisis has caused suffering, dislocation and disruption around the world, and although there is no “silver lining,” it is undeniable that it has prompted incredible efforts and sacrifice from individuals and organizations looking to alleviate that pain and build a more resilient future. Through the Global Response Fund, we have been in contact with more nonprofits and social businesses than ever before, prompting us to take stock of what qualities have enabled these organizations to effectively serve their communities. While there is no one answer, a critical element in effectively approaching systemic problems has always been partnership with and ultimately ownership from the community any organization seeks to benefit, and this is no different during times of crisis.

While working with our partners on the ground and listening to the communities they serve, we’ve learned the most fundamental currency of change is trust. For change to be deep, for it to last, and to ensure it actually benefits those who have been left out or displaced by the pre-existing economic systems, ventures must be community and locally led and embraced.

Read the full article about building trust during crisis from the McNulty Foundation at The Aspen Institute.