The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities worldwide was swift, hard and devastating especially on the most vulnerable people. Philanthropy has played a vital role in providing critical support to various organizations leading relief and recovery efforts. Amid tragedies and hardship, how did the world’s largest grantmakers and donors respond?

In this report, Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy explore the trends in philanthropic giving as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look at:

• How many grants were made, and how much money was committed?
• Which grantmakers gave the most?
• Which sectors and organizations are receiving the most grants?
• What are grantmakers doing differently?
• How are communities of color and other vulnerable populations represented in the philanthropic giving?

 
The data’s message is clear: More funding and support is needed not only in response to the health challenges presented by COVID-19 but beyond, as recovery will take more than a vaccine. COVID-19 is a social, economic and health-related disaster – a complex humanitarian emergency that is affecting the entire world.

Funders must expand their philanthropic giving to respond to this crisis and to the other disasters around the world that will continue to stretch the resilience and capacities of communities already vulnerable to shocks. This report will help grantmakers and wealthy donors identify ways to continue optimizing their philanthropy.

Explore the data and key findings here.