COVID-19 has hit everyone hard, including the non-profit organizations that the less fortunate rely upon. If you regularly donate to charitable donations or you’re looking for ways to help those in your community, there are still methods for contributing to the causes that mean the most to you. This overview explains how charitable giving has changed during these uncertain times.
How Can You Respond to Canceled Philanthropic Events?
Initially, the response to COVID-19 was a lockdown to flatten the curve, and no one expected those two weeks to become indefinitely extended. That has left many planned events suspended indefinitely or canceled altogether. If an event you planned to attend was canceled, you could still carry through with the donation you planned to give. When you visit the organization’s website, there should be a page that allows you to submit your donation digitally.
Whether you donate non-perishable food, clothing, or cash on a regular basis, you can also follow through with those amid the lockdowns. You can contact your favorite charity via an email or phone call to find out the practices for getting donations to them. They may still allow you to drop off donations in person, or they may have drop sites that are designed to keep you safer from infection.
How Can You Give to Your Favorite Causes Amid COVID-19?
If you’re new to philanthropy or have a standard annual donation that you give at this time of year, you can support your favorite cause in other ways. For those who like to volunteer their time, this can still be done virtually. Many organizations are using virtual counselors to help those in need receive the one on one interactions that had previously been restricted as a result of lockdowns. This method of interaction is also beneficial for those who live in remote areas and find it difficult to get to a counselor’s office.
For those looking to assist without interacting directly with others, charitable organizations also need virtual support staff. You can work on the phones, send out emails and letters, or complete data entry assignments. There may be more tasks you can perform to help your favorite organization, depending on the cause they seek to benefit.
If you want to help your community, the first step is to reach out to an organization that benefits the cause you care about. They have likely developed health and safety protocols that allow them to receive donations and enlist volunteer help without increasing the risk of exposure.