PFC Weekly Digest

The philanthropic response to a global crisis

From the President

PFC is rapidly re-orienting its resources to support its members' response to the COVID-19 emergency.

A key function for us is to share curated information about how you can assist and what actions your peers are taking. Starting today, PFC will publish a COVID-19 philanthropic weekly digest for as long as required. (In the meantime, we are suspending our monthly newsletter). We will also share relevant developments through our social media platforms, notably twitter (@PhilanthropyCDA).

We will also support coordination via our partners at Imagine Canada, CFC and EFC. We are working on proposals to develop national and regional platforms to facilitate support to front line community organizations that are facing a cash flow crisis and struggling to protect and retain volunteers and staff. It is important that this support complements the response from governments and public health agencies. PFC will explore how some of the affinity groups could become more operational, especially the program staff affinity group.

We will also re-orient our capacity building programs. PFC held a webinar that attracted 124 participants on March 18th. On March 26th at 2 PM, we will host a webinar on how to support non-qualified donees during this emergency (registration details below).

I am impressed how quickly our community is mobilizing and how Canadians are demonstrating their humanity and solidarity in this historic and unprecedented crisis. Do not hesitate to be in touch to propose ideas, to let us know what you are doing and to support our work.

Stay safe,
Jean-Marc.

Sharing resources

COVID-19 and Philanthropy's Response
On March 18th, over 124 participants joined PFC for a webinar to share some current philanthropic practices for responding to COVID-19. Not-for-profit community organizations and charitable entities will need the collective contribution of Foundations to prepare, manage and recover from the COVID-19 emergency. If you were unable to join us for the webinar, click here to listen to the recording.

Upcoming webinars

March 24, 12h - 13h, Webinar hosted by PwC & Imagine Canada. Responding to COVID-19: What Canadian NPO boards and management teams should know. Register here.
March 24, 13h - 14h, Webinar hosted by CFC. COVID-19 and Managing Investments in Volatile Markets. Register here.
March 26, 14h - 15h, PFC webinar on Giving to non-qualified donees.
Register here.
March 30, 13h - 14h Webinar hosted by CFC. Best Practices for Engagement in Virtual meetings. As we swiftly adapt to working remotely, staff are distributed and we are engaging in more virtual meetings, this webinar will share some key practices to adopt that will help your next meeting run smoothly. Grantbook will also share some tips and ideas on leveraging tools available through Zoom and other platforms.

COVID-19 and the charitable sector
Imagine Canada has called on the federal government to ensure that their response to COVID-19 includes our sector and communicates measures that will help nonprofits work through these emerging challenges.
Read more

Share other webinar themes you’d like us to cover in light of COVID-19 on Twitter @PhilanthropyCDA

Please donate to COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Canadian charities are responding at home and around the world to help stop the spread of the disease and support communities affected. Charities are working with local governments, the WHO, and other agencies to contain the disease to stop the spread.
Read more

Showcasing Philanthropic response

Have you released a funder’s statement in response to COVID-19?

Discover how some foundations have taken the lead in a conversation to reassure organizations through this difficult time.

Vancouver Foundation

McConnell Foundation

Lawson Foundation

Please share with us how your organization is responding in light of COVID-19 on Twitter @PhilanthropyCDA

United Way of Greater Toronto - COVID-19 and caring for the community
As the largest investor outside of government in the GTA, United Way is offering agencies more flexibility on how they use grant dollars so they can meet urgent needs for people experiencing poverty. Flexibility is essential so they can change or adapt their programming and services in a rapidly changing time.
Read more

Fondation Québec Philanthrope: Special fund dedicated to fight COVID-19
Fondation Québec Philanthrope maintains its services and launches a special philanthropic fund for anyone who would like to make a donation dedicated to the fight against COVID-19.
Read more

Emergent needs in the not-for-profit sector

The ONN is advocating to funders to support and strengthen the resiliency of our sector during this crisis. From removing restrictions on existing grants to mobilizing recovery funds, there are many ways that funders can support and learn with grantees.
Read more

The Guardian details how charities face cash crisis as virus fears hit fundraising.
Read more

Global Philanthropic sector’s response

Which funders are supporting the response to coronavirus and where is that funding going?

Philanthropy's response to COVID-19, knowing where money is going and how, and having the latest information from organizations, facilitates thoughtful collaboration and decision-making in times of crisis. Check out the map here:
Click here

Innovative funding solutions

Provide unrestricted funding and remove restrictions on existing grants - now is the time for action!
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Funding critical needs means looking for organizations with significant capital needs, finding ways to support quarantined individuals, or supporting groups that are focused on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene). Read more here:
Read more