Gregory R. Witkowski - April 22, 2020

Gregory R. Witkowski, PhD, "Philanthropists' role in COVID-19 responses"

Dr. Witkowski provided an overview on the philanthropic and nonprofit efforts that have occurred during the COVID-19 response as compared to other disasters. Typically, disaster donations are broken down into corporate, foundation, and individual/household giving and most of the giving occurs in the first month. This is crucial for non-profit organizations since 11% of their budget relies on philanthropy. The COVID-19 pandemic has been different than other major disasters in that it hasn’t been geographically limited, there has been no physical destruction of infrastructure and it is unknown how long it will continue (ongoing). It has been similar to other disasters in the following ways: some areas are getting more attention than others; harm is not distributed equally (African Americans and LatinX are more effected); harm goes beyond the actual cause (economic and social effects); and it will take years to recover, long after the attention has moved on. For the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of pledges from corporations has been higher ($400M for COVID and $120M for hurricane Florence) and the same is true for foundations. Furthermore, foundations have simplified their application process as well as reporting requirements so that those in need can get the necessary funding.