Care for Our Communities During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The outbreak of COVID-19 is a global concern, with effects filtering down to organizations close to you that are in critical need of assistance. Lives are disrupted, more people than ever are calling out for help, and responders are hard pressed to meet the overwhelming demand. While governments, NGOs and healthcare agencies respond to the national and international crisis, we also need to think about the local organizations that are affected by this unprecedented situation. Many depend on a steady stream of volunteers, cash, and outside support that’s been suddenly interrupted.

Our priority to date has been looking inward as we continue to ensure the safety of our employees while maintaining operations. As we now look outward to identify the ways we can help our communities, we are extending financial support to the following organizations who are focusing efforts on the fight against, and the impacts of, the novel coronavirus.

• WHO, UN Foundation COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund - Funds will go towards actions outlined in the COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to enable all countries—particularly those most vulnerable and at-risk, and with the weakest health systems—to prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 crisis by rapidly detecting cases, stopping transmission of the virus, and caring for those affected.
• Direct Relief COVID-19 Relief Activities - Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the U.S., China, and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Food Banks - School closures, job disruptions, lack of paid sick leave and the coronavirus' disproportionate impact on adults age 60 and older and low-income families further contribute to the demands placed on food banks. Our donation will help address efforts to support people facing hunger and the food banks who help them. We will make national donations in the countries where we operate.

Ways you can support locally

Now is the time for us to step up and help. As good people and good neighbors, we can help the community-based organizations that are both helping on the front lines and reeling from the breakdown of funding and infrastructure. 

While COVID-19 is affecting everyone, nonprofits are particularly feeling the pinch. Simultaneously, they are adjusting their work environments and policies to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff and volunteers, while demand for their programs and services surges beyond the scale their networks are prepared to handle. 

Here are some ways you can show what it means to be a good neighbor during the time of greatest need. Reach out to organizations that mean something to you and see where help may be most needed.  

• Food banks that meet critical shortages and assist the needy, especially during downturns
• Shelters that rely on food, volunteers, and supplies to meet the ever-growing demand of homeless and displaced people
• Community foundations that provide a sense of unity and hope to people and their neighbors
• Local mental health organizations operating hotlines that will be in high demand during this uncertain time
• Seniors facilities, youth clubs and organizations that keep people busy and engaged 
• Blood services rely on monetary donations to help continue to save and transform lives. They strengthen our national programs for blood, stem cells, organs and tissues, and fuel research and innovation initiatives
• Arts & cultural organizations that rely on attendance, funding and local support to be the cultural guideposts in their areas

Together, our impact is greater. While we are pleased to join the efforts to meet initial needs, we know that much more will be required as part of the COVID-19 response efforts in the weeks and months ahead, in all parts of the world.