Philanthropy during COVID-19: Learnings and recommendations for philanthropic organizations navigating crisis

Dee Andria Hampton, Pamala Wiepking*, Cassandra Chapman, Lucy Holmes McHugh, Daniel Arnesen, Cathie Carrigan, Galia Feit, Henrietta Grönlund, Steinunn Hrafnsdóttir, Natalya Ivanova, Hagai Katz, Sung Ju Kim, Ómar H. Kristmundsson, Julia Litofcenko, Irina Mersianova, Michaela Neumayr, Anne Birgitta Pessi, Wendy Scaife, Karl Henrik Sivesind, Johan VamstadYongzheng Yang

*Corresponding author for this work

Publication: Scientific journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This practice paper articulates the key learnings for philanthropic organizations based on their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Which actions can philanthropic organizations take to best support community needs during times of crisis? To answer this question, we synthesize information about how philanthropic organizations responded during the early COVID-19 crisis (spring―fall 2020) across 11 countries: Australia, Austria, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America. Results indicate four key actions that we recommend philanthropic organizations take during times of crisis: (1) Assess community needs; (2) engage with volunteers and donors; (3) communicate effectively and strategically with volunteers, donors, and the public; and (4) focus on equity.

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

  • crisis
  • giving
  • global generosity
  • nonprofits
  • philanthropic organizations
  • volunteering

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