As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, many donors are looking for ways to battle the effects of the pandemic both in the short- and long-term. There are many considerations for philanthropy in this unprecedented situation, so what should donors be thinking about?

To address this question, Fidelity Charitable is offering guidance that addresses three areas of critical need: Support for medical needs, protecting vulnerable populations and sustaining all nonprofits. With medical needs top of mind as cases increase, we also recently hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. Her main advice: Donors should provide flexible, unrestricted funding to the organizations they support.

Here are several areas with pressing medical needs where philanthropy can make a difference:

Homeless communities:

  • Close quarters in shelters make social distancing difficult to achieve and;
  • Homeless individuals often lack access to hygiene products—an important tool in
    fighting coronavirus. Funding is needed to create additional space, employ extra staff
    and provide necessities.

Just-in-time training:

  • Local training programs quickly prepare more workers who can help healthcare
    providers sustain their efforts. However, building and running these training programs is
    expensive and can benefit from philanthropic support.

Public health nonprofits:

  • As these organizations are working overtime throughout this crisis, additional
    dollars can help sustain and boost their efforts.

Telehealth access:

  • In order to minimize contact between patients and medical staff, more technology
    infrastructure and know-how needs to be supported.

Communications:

  • Combat misinformation by raising your voice in support of facts and providing
    funding for lobbying and outreach programs.

Clinical and epidemiological gaps:

  • Funding for additional research is needed, as well as increased access to existing
    information and technology.

Monroe encouraged donors to give based on geography and issue, while stressing that philanthropists should trust organizations and intermediaries to allocate donations most effectively. It’s also crucial to remember that donations of all sizes can make a difference in our communities now and in the future.

If you’re ready to take action, consider this additional guidance:

  1. Donate: Organizations working directly and indirectly to address COVID-19 need
    funding as economic uncertainty creates pressure on all nonprofits. Sustain or, ideally,
    increase your giving to your favorite nonprofits or see Fidelity Charitable's list of organizations to support to find others working directly to mitigate some of the impacts of COVID-19.
  2. Volunteer: Organizations may lose volunteers with health and logistical constraints in
    these times. If you are well, consider volunteering in person while following local health
    and safety guidelines. You can also investigate opportunities to volunteer remotely.
    Contact local organizations to find out what they need.
  3. Advocate: Share information and resources. Remind others in your network to keep
    best practices in mind. Encourage decision- and policy-makers to act quickly to address
    COVID-19 and help those impacted.

View the full Fidelity Charitable webinar with Pamela Norley and Dr. Judy Monroe.