Implementation of emergency response and recovery funds / programmes

Introduction

In Europe the health crisis has hit peak levels at different times, affecting some regions harder than others, but lockdown and physical distancing measures will have brought similar issues to communities across the continent. Community foundations (CFs) whether large or small, well-established or newly registered, endowed or operating with annual funds, set in rural or urban areas, with paid staff or just volunteers have mobilised extensively to respond to the health and humanitarian challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Community foundations support organisations (CFSOs), though varying in scope, structure, experience and capability have been working tirelessly to advance and support the field through a variety of actions that we have categorised below, using a 4Cs lens. Having the opportunity to connect with peers and learn how they continue to respond to the crisis through different phases is to quote a participant “like seeing into the future”. We are grateful for everyone’s presence, presentations and engagement.

Presentations

Following-up from our first online meeting and building on the visual image that depicts emergency response, recovery and sustainability as stages through which community foundations will have to perform through the crisis, we have focussed this discussion on hearing from CFSOs in UK, Germany and Romania on the response to the Covid-19 emergency and lessons learned through the process. Based on that we have categorised actions from all three countries in a common framework (see below) and we invite individual organisations to think through the framework analysing which actions are being undertaken and which areas could benefit from further investment, at different stages.

United Kingdom – Rosemary MacDonald, Interim CEO, UKCF

UKCF is the umbrella body for the 46 community foundations in UK. Partnering with the National Emergencies Trust (NET), a national charity set up to respond domestic disasters (and being activated for the first time with Covid-19), UKCF has been distributing millions through its network. The funds provide vital support in the quickest way possible for vulnerable groups affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has enabled CFs to raise their profile, capitalise on existing donor relations as well as prospective ones. For UKCF and the entire network this means a greater focus and attention to communication and collaboration between them and this significant new public donor (NET) to ensure transparency, accountability and trust and to prevent staff burnout. While a first successful wave of donations address emergency needs there is a long away ahead to address issues of sustainability and resilience for local charities. UKCF is actively documenting the process and will be able to draw on a template of how to deal with national emergencies in the future.

Germany – Ulrike Reichart, Program Director, Alliance of CFs in Germany

The Alliance Community Foundations is the membership body for over 400 community foundations in Germany. Many of the CFs are working really hard to counter the effects of the Covid-19 crisis and to strengthen social cohesion despite the restrictions of social distancing (which has been particularly difficult for CFs dependent on volunteers from an older demographic). Some have set up emergency funds, collect donations and/or coordinate volunteer support for those in need. More so, they organise community building activities like sewing face masks, balcony singing and organ concerts in neighbourhoods and in front of retirement homes. They build partnerships with local food banks, local government and the business community. While there is no national funding distribution, the Alliance as part of the Association of German Foundations is part of advocacy activities that address the Ministry of Finance on behalf of the sector for measures of support. They also communicate broadly positive examples of funds and programs run by CFs, to draw attention to their work and help establish further partnerships. Internally it supports its’ members through online meetings on topics related to the crisis, like impact on the asset management, remote project management, design and delivery of emergency funds, noting a surprising increase in digital learning.

Romania – Rucsandra Pop, CF Program Director, ARC

Among the youngest and most dynamic movements in Europe, the field in Romania is supported by two organisations, the Association for Community Relations (ARC) and the Romanian Federation of Community Foundations (RFCF). With 19 CFs covering 52% of a country with a poorly prepared medical infrastructure, 17 set up emergency funds to help equip local hospitals and doctors in tackling the effects of the pandemic. ARC launched a national fundraising appeal while local CFs ran parallel ones while also trying to become overnight experts in medical procurement. Collaboration, cooperation and coordination have been valued more than before in joint national fundraising and funding distribution efforts involving community foundations, the two CFSOs, medical NGOs and private donors. Also, an invaluable public relations capital has grown organically from local level but there are still efforts to be made in capitalising on it and getting public recognition by the state. Having to act quickly, in an operational manner, to respond to the emergency has put current programs on hold as well as the ability to take a strategic view. There is a real concern for medium- and longer-term sustainability of CFs and ACR has advocated for flexible, general purpose funding. RFCF provides informal spaces for discussion relating to operational issues as well as on the effects of the crisis on CFs and the communities they serve through all the phases of response, recovery and in building resilience for the future.

CFSO Covid-19 inspired actions – applying a 4Cs lens

Below we have collated the impressive range of actions being undertaken by CFSOs around Europe that have arisen from this discussion and other evidence from the field.