Grant makers are taking different approaches to supporting charities amid the coronavirus pandemic and the economic freefall, including prioritizing general-operating support, creating rapid-response funds, and streamlining processes for grant applications and reporting. These Chronicle articles can help you get up to speed.
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ResearchHow 25 Big Grant Makers Are Responding to the Covid Crisis
The Chronicle examined whether foundations plan to give more this year, how much they have committed in emergency funds, and more. -
Pandemic Giving
Coronavirus-Related Giving Tops $10 Billion Worldwide
The total includes $6 billion from U.S. sources, according to Candid, a foundation research group. The top donor was Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, who gave $1 billion. -
Foundation Giving
George Soros’s Open Society Employees Rebuke Management for Redirected Funds
A letter says a new $130 million commitment by the organization to respond to the coronavirus is leaving grantees in the lurch. -
Foundation Giving
Open Society Details Plans for $130 Million in Coronavirus Spending
The grant maker moves to address immediate demands while keeping up the fight against authoritarianism around the world. -
Individual Giving
Jeff Skoll Adds $100 Million to His Efforts to Fight the Pandemic
The billionaire has long made preparing for pandemics a target of his giving and is focusing on helping countries that aren’t rich tamp down the spread of the virus and helping them buy much-needed medical equipment. -
Innovation
Covid-19 Spurs Big Rise in Wealthy Donors and Foundations Giving Direct Cash Aid to the Poor
Both conservatives and liberals are joining forces for an idea that once got little traction. Now the question is whether the results will persuade donors to keep supporting such efforts for many years to come. -
Opinion
What Paul Newman Would Tell Small Foundations in the Pandemic: Don’t Shift Course (Opinion)
First responders and frontline groups need more resources, but others will help them. We can do more good sticking by the causes that our communities depend on, says Miriam E. Nelson, acting CEO of the Newman’s Own Foundation. -
Grant Making
Nearly 700 Foundations Join Pledge to Ease Grant Restrictions
The next likely step: a virtual “badge” that nonprofits can display on their websites demonstrating their commitment to reducing burdens on grantees during the current crisis. -
Opinion
How Foundations Can Mobilize Their Staffs to Do the Most Good in This Crisis (Opinion)
Give people room to focus on their health and families and what matters most in this moment. This is no time for rigid formulas, so let people innovate and adapt. -
Podcast
How Companies Are Responding to the Covid-19 Epidemic (Podcast)
Daryl Brewster says companies are voluntarily stepping up to make an impact. -
Foundation Giving
Foundations and Donors Step Up Efforts to Help Workers Hurt by the Pandemic
A $7.1 million effort unveiled Tuesday aims to grow to $20 million as philanthropy seeks to provide immediate needs for low-wage workers and help them gain more power and benefits after the immediate crisis is over. -
News
Asian American Grant Makers Call on Philanthropy to Act to Curb Bias Attacks as Coronavirus Spreads
An open letter signed by 356 philanthropies and individuals urges grant makers to consider racist attacks as part of their rapid-response grants and as they shape their long-term response to the health and economic crisis. -
Foundation Giving
$50 Million From Robert Wood Johnson to Help the Neediest Victims of the Pandemic and Economic Fall
The departure from its typical grants to research institutions is designed to call attention to the impact in people for whom social distancing is a “life or death struggle,” said the president of the foundation. -
Podcast
How Bloomberg Philanthropies Is Helping Local Leaders Fight the Covid-19 Epidemic (Podcast)
The nonprofit is working with the National League of Cities and the U.S. Conference of Mayors to help America’s communities. -
Foundation Giving
Grants From Private Foundations Projected to Decline 4.8% This Year
Assets held by private foundations are projected to decline 12.7 percent this year to $976 billion, according to FoundationMark. -
Foundation Giving
Grant Maker Dilemma: Spend More Now or Protect Shrinking Endowments?
Some are ramping up spending when nonprofits need it most, but others are keeping a watchful eye on their ability to continue spending in the future. -
Grant Making
Foundations Adopt Policies to Move More Money Faster
The coronavirus pandemic is pushing grant makers to do things differently. Some in philanthropy hope the changes stick long after the current crises ends. -
Corporate Giving
Companies Change Giving and Volunteer Efforts in Wake of Coronavirus
Businesses are looking for new ways to offer pro bono services that help struggling businesses. Plus they are protecting their workers’ health by cutting back direct volunteer efforts. But it is unclear whether corporate generosity will continue as the economy tumbles. -
Grant Making
Top Foundations Unite to Give Charities More Freedom Over Grants
A group that includes Ford made the move quickly so nonprofits can focus on services and remain financially stable amid the coronavirus scare. -
News
Grant Maker Responses for Nonprofits in Need Vary Widely
The Ford Foundation is easing restrictions on many of its existing grants. Other foundations have set up rapid response funds, while some are taking a wait-and-see approach.
