Giving Compass' Take:

• CAF America shares results from a survey of more than 500 charitable organizations around the world that were asked about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• Almost all of the organizations surveyed have been impacted by COVID-19. What role can funders play in helping nonprofits achieve their goals in the pandemic and beyond? 

• Learn how you can help nonprofits during COVID-19. 

From March 24 to March 26, CAF America conducted a survey that involved more than 500 organizations worldwide to learn how the growing threat of the coronavirus global pandemic affects their organizations and how they are coping with COVID-19 in their communities. The survey included organizations from 93 countries spanning across 6 continents.

Most respondents’ work pertains to healthcare (89), education (73), and arts & culture (73). Organizations providing support to children and youth (72), along with those helping economically disadvantaged populations (31) and people living with disabilities (29) are also well represented.

94.84%: The great majority of the respondents’ countries have imposed coronavirus related restrictions that had an immediate impact on the respondents organizations.

96.50%: Almost all of the organizations surveyed are experiencing a negative impact of the pandemic and have taken steps to address the coronavirus-related challenges.

67.93% of the respondents have seen a decrease in funding and reported difficulties in reaching donors, while 39.97% indicated an increase in operational costs. More than half are unable to fully meet the expectations of those they serve due to staffing limitations (48.58%) and system-challenges (37.57%). Restrictions on travel, a key programmatic element for many organizations, have affected 63% of the respondents’ operations.

Despite the serious challenges organizations are experiencing worldwide, almost all respondents (90.10%) continue to serve their communities. Although they have had to suspend certain activities, almost two thirds of the organizations surveyed (61.87%) continue their operations remotely and 28.23% are maintaining full operations (11.03% working in office and 17.20% working remotely).

9.91% of the organizations surveyed were forced to suspend their work. The vast majority are institutions that are closed due to government restrictions and social distancing requirements, such as schools and places of worship.

The most common preventative measures taken by the organizations surveyed are cancelling large events, providing regular updates and implementing safety procedures, working remotely, and halting business travel. Over 65% of respondents had to shift short-term goals to adjust operations during the pandemic.