COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Poland – Offering hope
This story from Poland shows how community foundations stepped in during the COVID-19 crisis to fill critical gaps left by public systems. Through grassroots mobilisation, emergency coalitions, and direct support to vulnerable groups, they provided practical help while also fostering connection, trust, and hope within their communities.
Seeing the crisis as an opportunity
This short piece reflects on how community foundations in Germany adapted to the Covid-19 crisis by embracing digital formats for exchange and learning. It highlights the role of peer dialogue in maintaining social cohesion, addressing challenges such as digitisation and financial sustainability, and reaffirming community foundations as resilient and flexible actors in times of uncertainty
COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Romania – Adapting to bring back quality of life
This case from Romania shows how the Bucharest Community Foundation adapted rapidly to the COVID-19 crisis by setting up emergency funds for healthcare and vulnerable groups, while also transforming its flagship fundraising event into a successful online campaign. It highlights the importance of flexibility, local partnerships and maintaining community connection—even through small acts that restore dignity and quality of life.
COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Russia – New demands, new ways of working
This case from Russia shows how the Community Foundation Garant adapted its role during the COVID-19 crisis by moving beyond grantmaking to direct support and coordination. Faced with rising social needs, it strengthened collaboration with partners, mobilised a large volunteer base and combined funding with hands-on delivery of aid, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly changing context.
COVID-19 August 2020 Community Foundations in Action: UK – Maintaining relationships with new donors
This case from the UK highlights how the Northamptonshire Community Foundation significantly expanded its donor base during the COVID-19 crisis while rapidly distributing funds to address urgent and emerging needs. It shows how strong local knowledge, agility and communication enabled effective support—from basic needs to mental health and culture—while also emphasising the importance of maintaining relationships with new donors beyond the crisis.
Together we are stronger: The story behind the establishment of the Fano Community Foundation (Italy)
This case traces the establishment of the Fano Community Foundation in Italy, highlighting a three-year participatory process that brought together local institutions, organisations and citizens. It shows how building a shared understanding of community foundations and fostering collaboration across sectors created a strong foundation—later enabling a rapid and locally rooted response to the COVID-19 crisis.
COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Ukraine – A reliable and critical partner
This case from Ukraine shows how a community foundation took on a central coordinating role during the COVID-19 crisis. By establishing an emergency fund, mobilising resources and facilitating communication between hospitals, volunteers and donors, it became a key hub for both practical support and information flow within the community.
COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Germany – a virus does not stop our engagement
This case from Germany shows how a small, volunteer-driven community foundation maintained its engagement during the COVID-19 crisis by adapting projects, shifting to digital communication and responding quickly to emerging local needs. From supporting youth and artists to enabling community initiatives, it highlights resilience, commitment and the importance of staying active even under restrictive conditions.
COVID-19. Community Foundations in Action Italy – Recovery time will be long
This case from the Community Foundation of Messina illustrates how community foundations can respond to crisis while addressing deeper structural challenges. Beyond immediate relief, the foundation developed financial instruments such as microcredit and grants, built local production networks and strengthened partnerships to counter poverty and economic vulnerability. The publication highlights how crisis response can intersect with long-term goals such as social innovation, human rights and resilience against systemic risks.
COVID-19 June 2020 Community Foundations in Action: Slovakia – Trust in our communities is priceless
This case from Slovakia highlights how long-term trust and relationships enabled community foundations to respond quickly and effectively during the COVID-19 crisis. By mobilising volunteers, coordinating support and leveraging existing partnerships, they provided immediate help while demonstrating the value of sustained community engagement and diversified local resources.
