Aggiornamenti del 21/04/2020
Good Morning – With this email we hope to build bridges between different actors and lay the groundwork for effective collaboration and cooperation in what will follow from the current COVID-19 crisis for our society, our economy and our political systems.
We aim to share with you a snapshot of challenges the COVID-19 crisis poses for philanthropy in Europe and what outstanding solutions it generates from civil society and philanthropy organisations such as foundations. This is a very scattered field reflected by a huge variety of activities. At the core of it lies the strong solidarity and collaboration that we sense across borders and sectors in Europe.
SOLIDARITY – Whereas in the previous edition of this newsletter we saw the world coming to a standstill (ICNL freedom tracker), governments are now considering how to restart our daily lives (Politico). The European Commission President von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament’s virtual plenary, stating that Europe is the “world’s beating heart of solidarity” (Politico), and this is also reflected in the philanthropy ecosystem.
#GivingTuesdayNow – Day of Global Action for Giving on 5 May.
The more you know – Things are moving fast and it’s well worth taking a moment to go through some of the hubs compiling valuable resources, for example WINGS’ global resources (WINGS). New ones have also popped up, such as the Charity Excellence Framework platform, which now includes specific Covid-19 Funder and Response Toolkits (Charity Excellence). As for all your legal questions, besides the previously mentioned TrustLaw resource hub and their webinars (TrustLaw), PILnet provides you with the necessary support for your NGO or social enterprise (PILnet).
$7.5 Billion – Total dollar value of global grants
related to coronavirus response [Candid]
Everything from home – From e-coffee to e-lunch and e-pero, we are finding our ways from social distancing to distant socialising. FTI Consulting provides some practical tips on how to enhance collaboration within your virtual team (FTI). Museums and events have found their way online, take for example the virtual tour of the Van Eyck exhibition (MSK). The WHO provides guidelines on risk communication, mental health, and other essential areas (WHO).
2.11 Million – Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 [Our World in Data]
From survival to revival – Consensus emerges around our duty as philanthropic organisations to not only look at how we can support beneficiaries now but also start considering how to achieve a resilient third sector in the aftermath of the crisis. Voices are rising to consider next steps, such as CharitySoWhite’s position paper on the “use of a racial justice lens to transform our future” (CharitySoWhite). In planning for a post-covid future, one might also want to consider Ashoka and others’ recent publication “Embracing complexity: Towards a shared understanding of funding systems change” (Co-Impact). To be continued…
171 Foundations signed up to the
European Philanthropy Statement on COVID-19 [DAFNE & EFC]
What we offer – Italy’s philanthropic sector stepped up as thought leaders from the start of the crisis. Following Assifero’s call to action to move from project to core funding, many foundations signed statements and adjusted strategies across Europe. After Italy’s portal consolidating needs and haves (Italia Non Profit), others initiated similar national mappings, such as Ukraine’s mapping (Ukrainian Philanthropy Forum) and the CFF in France kicked off their French portal matching funding needs with funding supplies (Action Fondation Covid19).
Innovative ways of giving are also on the rise, such as Romania’s SMS donation programme and the increased recognition of communities as the key to fighting COVID-19 (Potential of Community). This does not take away the importance of the numerous emergency response funds, such as the King Baudouin Foundation’s cross-continental initiative (KBFUS in Europe). Philanthropy’s potential to be the innovative force we all require is also portrayed through the development of a European app based on Austria’s UNIQA Foundation and Red Cross initiative of the “Stopp-Corona app” (UNIQA).
EU agrees on 540 billion EUR bail out package for economy but little is in there for CSOs (so far) [Eurogroup]
What we need – DAFNE and the EFC called upon the presidents of the EU institutions to facilitate the vital work undertaken by European philanthropy in response to the crisis (Philanthropy Advocacy). This call has also taken place at national levels, leading the UK government to announce a £750m package to keep struggling charities afloat (ACF). In the bigger picture, the Fundamental Rights Agency published its first assessment of fundamental rights implications of the measures taken by governments in the EU (FRA), and the Council of Europe provides its member states with a toolkit to respect democracy, the rule of law and human rights (CoE).