We're In This Together: Charity Navigator's Response to COVID-19
March 16, 2020
As we're all dealing with the uncertainty around coronavirus (COVID-19);
Please know, Charity Navigator is taking steps to continue to serve philanthropists of all sizes and the nonprofits they support.
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As the news was emerging, we published a Coronavirus Hot Topic, featuring highly-rated organizations that are responding to COVID-19 and providing relief and recovery. Donors are encouraged to support the organizations featured, and rated nonprofits with dedicated COVID-19 funds can fill out our disaster response survey to be considered for inclusion.
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To be included in the COVID-19 Hot Topic, the organization must meet the following requirements:
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Current 3-star or 4-star Charity Navigator rating.
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Website and/or social media includes a description of the planned response and type of relief it is or will be providing (direct services, funding other organizations, etc.).
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Website provides clear instructions for how donors can designate their gift to this crisis AND what % of the donation will go specifically to the crisis itself.
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- Our blog features an article written by Melanie Davis-Jones from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy outlining ways you can help local nonprofits during this trying time.
- As our ratings are based on data taken from the IRS Form 990, it may be some time before we begin to see the financial impact on the nonprofit sector — this will be analyzed and action will be taken in terms of our ratings system where appropriate.
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Charity Navigator has reached out to media and influencers in an effort to increase awareness of the work nonprofits are doing to combat COVID-19.
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On March 19, Former President Barack Obama encouraged his followers to help the organizations providing relief to communities impacted by COVID-19.
The best part of my job was meeting people like this—ready to make a selfless act in a time of need. Many Americans are already making deep sacrifices to keep our communities healthy, but if you’re able to, consider helping those hit the hardest. https://t.co/CdrMsC6VXF
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 19, 2020
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On March 19, Former President Barack Obama encouraged his followers to help the organizations providing relief to communities impacted by COVID-19.
- Aware that scammers may take advantage of the current situation, Charity Navigator has published a blog article entitled Avoiding Charity Scams During COVID-19 so that donors could protect themselves during this uncertain time.
- On March 27, Charity Navigator hosted a town hall webinar on philanthropy during COVID-19 — this was moderated by Charity Navigator's President & CEO Michael Thatcher who was joined by leaders at nonprofits and foundations.
- On April 17, Charity Navigator released a study of the financial and programmatic impacts of COVID-19 on the nonprofit sector.
- On May 7, Charity Navigator published an article on site behavior and giving activity on #GivingTuesdayNow.
We are still here to support you and have taken steps to ensure the safety of our team who are all working from home for at least the remainder of the month. This situation is fluid and will continue to impact our communities in evolving ways. Yet, we take comfort in knowing that we have incredible people like you in the world who are compassionate, resilient, and consistently help others.
