Giving Compass' Take:

• Despite the generosity and hard work to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still communities that face evolving challenges that could use philanthropic support. 

• How are you explicitly helping BIPOC leaders and organizations during this time? 

• Learn more on how you can focus and restructuring and reimagining systems that work for everyone. 

We have seen incredible generosity since the outbreak of the pandemic. A new report on philanthropy and COVID-19 giving by Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) offers a jaw-dropping figure: Institutional grantmakers and major donors gave more than $11.9 billion in response to the global pandemic during the first half of 2020 alone.

This amount is nothing short of inspiring. For comparison, it is 16 times more than funding for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria – combined. But now, more than any other time in recent history, philanthropy in all forms must continue to strive toward generosity that is as unprecedented as this pandemic is.

At the same time, grantmakers and donors need to give strategically to help ensure that human, financial and technical resources are reaching those organizations and individuals who need these most.

The pandemic continues, and we – especially those most affected by COVID-19 – will be facing evolving challenges. CDP recommends six ways to support BIPOC communities and other vulnerable populations and address immediate and long-term needs:

  1. Explicitly support local groups with a focus on communities of color, older adults, disabled persons, and other vulnerable populations.
  2. Provide unrestricted support.
  3. Expand on existing giving.
  4. Give to existing funds that can consolidate gifts and quickly distribute grants to local organizations.
  5. Partner with other funders.
  6. Fund land trusts to help maintain affordable housing.

We in the philanthropic community must push ourselves to give more and give smarter. The generosity of donors and grantmakers will play a critical role in ensuring that our communities emerge stronger from COVID-19.

Read the full article about COVID-19 giving by Regine A. Webster at Charity Navigator.