Keeping the giving conversation going
We’ve certainly launched into 2020 in an unfathomable way. As we exited the smoky haze of the bushfire crisis, we hoped that the year would improve, but we have entered into an even more dire situation – the COVID–19 virus global pandemic – which is tightening its grip daily.
The scale and scope of risks faced by individuals and organisations today are expanding and evolving faster than ever before, and the COVID–19 pandemic has revealed a new layer of unpredictability. And whilst at the beginning of the year we witnessed astonishing acts of unity, personal sacrifice and record-breaking financial support for those in need, we are now seeing corporations seeking bailouts, long queues outside Centrelink and supermarkets, and families self-isolating for who-knows how long. None of us really know how long the effects of these catastrophic events will be felt by our communities, all we know is there is a very long road ahead.
On 22 March 2020, the Australian Federal Government announced its second economic stimulus package aimed at supporting individuals and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Good2Give’s investment manager, Perpetual has provided a helpful snapshot of the stimulus measures – and what they mean for:
Good2Give acknowledges the above stimulus package is very positive, and is also delighted to note the latest announcement by the Government on the Job Keeper package which also applies to the not-for-profit sector – click here.
I’ve been deeply moved and humbled by the acts of kindness I have witnessed in our community, and our friends at Pro Bono Australia captured some inspiring stories from around the world. This is a time for us all to be taking care of one another and people are stepping up in remarkable ways. Philanthropy Australia has released guidance on how philanthropy could respond to COVID-19 which is most certainly worth a read.
One of the hallmarks of our Giving community is our ability to look beyond ourselves — to see the terrible challenges faced by the most vulnerable, even as we cope with our personal concerns.
The extreme conditions of the last few months have genuinely showcased the vital role charities play in community support. But there is so much more to do, supporting the welfare of those affected by isolation or those who have lost their income.
Donor support plays a vital role in ensuring charities can continue their work, in whatever field or cause is their focus. The Australian Red Cross is just one of the very many charities we work with, and they shared with us their response to COVID19.
A group of three dozen US foundations have pledged to temporarily loosen grant-making restrictions to help the not-for-profits they support remain financially viable and concentrate on the services they provide. The group includes large national grant makers like the Hewlett, JPB, and Packard foundations and regional grant makers, and their pledge, called ‘A Call to Action: Philanthropy’s Commitment During Covid-19’, was formed on Thursday of last week.
Good2Give Grants services continue to operate as normal and we encourage our clients to consider supporting those charities (we’ve compiled a list) providing support to those impacted by COVID-19. We are working with our clients to be flexible during these tough times; including extensions for completion reporting or acquittals, and supporting flexibility in the use of grants where funding has been provided to cover a workshop, event, travel or similar, which can no longer proceed (due to current health advice). Although the Good2Give team are all working from home, we are still very much here for you, we’re online and here to help any business and their staff and customers support charities by delivering funding to them in this time of need.
Our partner, CAF America, has compiled a list of charities providing Coronavirus relief activities globally, from Italy to Afghanistan, the Philippines, and South Korea to the United States. Details to support these important charitable efforts can be found here: https://www.cafamerica.org/covid19response/
Our charities, our communities, our health-workers and our neighbours need us now more than ever. Make a donation, volunteer your time and share your ways to stay connected (and sane!). Keep that conversation going, it’s now that we all need each other the most.
As the COVID–19 pandemic escalates, please protect your health and that of your loved ones. On behalf of everyone at Good2Give, I hope you stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time.
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Lisa GrinhamChief Executive Officer |
