Giving Compass' Take:

• India Development Review posts an update on how people in India are responding to the effects of COVID-19 within the social sector.

• How does your foundation's practices align with those mentioned in the article? What can you do to ensure continued efficiency in your giving journey?

• Learn more about the importance of social distancing in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

From working from home, to what field workers and donors can do, here’s how organisations in India are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall

  • Be vigilant about minor symptoms: If any symptoms emerge, ask team members to home quarantine and follow steps as guided by the WHO and Health Ministry, GoI. Provide team members with relevant information about hospitals/testing centers in your city/state and any other resources they may need.
  • Speak to your team members to understand who will need additional support: For example, people with prior medical conditions and those that are elderly may need to self-isolate, additionally those with children might require shifts in their schedules because their children’s schools and day care facilities are closed.
  • Managing events and gatherings: Postpone large gatherings or do them differently (online/through webinars). Some organisations are choosing to continue with smaller meetings (for instance, SHG meetings with up to 5 or 10 people) as they consider them to be essential.

What organisations and people want

a) From donors

  • Support in staggering/postponing their work by two-three weeks
  • Given the fact that the financial year ends on 31st March, allow nonprofits to a) settle their accounts by the end of April instead of March and b) carry over the unspent amount beyond 31st March

b) From nonprofits

  • Financial support for community members who work on an incentive basis so that physical distancing does not harm the most disadvantaged
  • Financial support for vulnerable team members to take paid leave and work from home where possible

Read the full article about responding to the effects of COVID-19 in the social sector at India Development Review.