I'm posting on behalf of Beth McCaw, President and CEO of Washington Women's Fdn, who is sharing WaWF's initial responses and ideas. Thanks, Beth!
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First, a great resource, if you are wondering how to respond to the Coronavirus as a grantmaker https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Coronavirus-6-Steps-for-Grant/248202
Even if you don’t have a rapid response fund, there are still some things your organization or giving circle can do to support your grantees and your nonprofit community at this difficult time.
Lessen the burden!
1. Extend deadlines for submissions of LOIs and/or proposals.
2. Consider substituting short phone call check-ins with grantees instead of impact assessment site visits.
3. Consider alternatives to grant committee site visits such as short video conferences.
Think creatively about making more resources available!
1. Purchase an online video conference license so your organization can host meetings with grantees and member meetings. Offer to share the license with grantees that don’t have funds to purchase their own technology solutions.
2. For grantees receiving grants in multi-year installments, consider asking them if they need for you to accelerate payments.
3. For grantees receiving grants for restricted purposes, such as specific projects, consider releasing the restrictions so funds can be used for general operating support.
And don’t forget to advocate! Any government relief or recovery programs must include the nonprofit sector. It’s a critical contributor to the economy.