# Almost 100 funders sign statement pledging charity support during Covid-19

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/03/17/almost-100-funders-sign-statement-pledging-charity-support-during-covid-19/
- Published: 2020-03-17T07:03:19+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**As of Monday evening (16 March) some 93 funders had co-signed a statement pledging
to support civil society groups affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.**

Coordinated by [London Funders](https://londonfunders.org.uk/) (but not limited 
to those within London), [the statement](https://londonfunders.org.uk/about/covid-19)
says that the funders recognise that the outbreak is an ‘exceptional event that 
will have an impact on civil society groups, and want to offer reassurance that 
we stand with the sector during this time.’

It also says:

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>  ‘We understand that there will be times when staff and volunteers will not be
> available, when beneficiaries may need services to be provided in different ways,
> or when systems need to be flexible to ensure that needs are met.’

As a result, it states, if a civil society group’s community, services or organisation
are affected by the Covid-19 outbreak, and they receive grant funding from these
organisations, the organisations are committed to:

 * Maintaining grant payments if charities have difficulties achieving the outputs
   or outcomes agreed
 * Being flexible about reporting deadlines
 * Allowing charities to redirect funding such as to help cover sickness, purchase
   equipment, or deliver services differently
 * Listening to charities if they want to talk

The pledge applies only to grants, and not to commissioned services or contracts,
for which there will be separate discussions between commissioners and provider 
organisations.

It also says that the funders recognise that there may be further shocks to the 
system caused by Covid-19 that may impact on other income streams, or require a 
more urgent response from funders, and that where the funders have any news on emergency
funding they commit to publishing this on the London Funders web page so groups 
can see all available programmes in one place.

Signatories include:

 * Comic Relief
 * The Childhood Trust
 * City Bridge Trust
 * Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
 * Essex Community Foundation
 * The Fore
 * London Sport
 * Mayor of London
 * Paul Hamlyn Foundation
 * Pears Foundation
 * The Rank Foundation

More are invited to sign the statement, and can to get in touch at [in**@***************rg.uk](https://fundraising.co.uk/2020/03/17/almost-100-funders-sign-statement-pledging-charity-support-during-covid-19/in**@***************rg.uk).

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