Too important to fail? Are governments doing enough to support the third sector?
Howard Lake | 22 May 2020 | Blogs
The Covid-19 pandemic is proving to be an epoch-making catastrophe. In addition to the tragic loss of so many lives and the ordeal of those who are recovering from the effects of the disease, the social and economic consequences are already staggering. The IMF predicted in April that the world’s GDP will contract by 3%, the worst slump since the Great Depression and the United Nations University’s World Institute for Development Economics Research (WIDER) fears it could push up to half a billion people into poverty.
In this context, the actions of non-profit organisations (NPOs) could not be more important. Wherever we look, NPOs are performing essential relief work, not only by caring for those who are ill but also by helping communities to stop the spread of the disease and by mitigating the negative social effects of the crisis.
But are NPOs receiving the help they need to continue to fulfil their mission? It is clear that some places are seeing an extraordinary mobilisation of donors to tackle the pandemic. According to the Economist, as of April 24th individual donors, foundations and companies in the US had given $5.3 billion to Covid-19-related causes. That figure is four times more than the combined amount raised during four previous great calamities (9/11 terrorist attacks, the Ebola epidemic, Hurricane Harvey
and the crash of 2008/2009) .
The public is giving, but more is needed
As fundraising consultant Daryl Upsall suggests: “All the evidence that we are seeing and hearing from around the world is that the public is continuing to give and give in a committed manner to those NPOs that are asking in the right way and through the right channels… if asked!”
Nonetheless, at a time of increased demand for their services, many NPOs are seeing their income decline. Whether it be due to the suspension of face-to-face and events fundraising, the closure of charity shops or the cancellation of regular giving by donors as a result of personal financial difficulty, many charities are struggling to continue with their operations. As a way of example, in a recent survey commissioned by Bond (which represents 435 British international development NGOs) with 116 respondent organisations, 70% of them expected some financial difficulty during the following months and 43% believed they would not survive the next six months.
Government intervention essential for nonprofits
While philanthropic donations are more important than ever to sustain the operations of thousands of charities, it is clear that the intervention of governments will be also needed to avoid the closure of NPOs and the loss of the invaluable services they provide to society.
“I predict that in most countries Covid-19 will financially wipe out between 25-30% of non-profit organisations. Those most vulnerable will be those with one or more of the following conditions; insufficient operating reserves, poor and indecisive governance/leadership, and those with an over-reliance on certain fundraising channels such as shops, community/events and face to face fundraising. Nonetheless, despite Covid 19 other organisations, especially many of the large multinational NPOs may emerge stronger as they were fast at adapting and shifting resources into the most profitable fundraising channels and markets,” predicts Daryl Upsall.
Some governments have recognised the challenge facing the sector at least to a degree. In the UK, the Government will make £750 million ($917.7 million) available to charities that engage in Covid-19-related relief. In Austria, Ireland and Canada similar specific funds have been created.
However, it remains to be seen whether the amounts will be enough to avoid all closures. In the UK, the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has faced questions as to whether the amount of the fund will make up for the shortfall in the income of NPOs while third sector representative bodies like the NCVO are complaining about the slowness and the opaque manner in which the funds are being distributed.
In countries like the Netherlands, the advocacy of the third sector has achieved the inclusion of NPOs into the temporary schemes that have been set up by governments to alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic (like wage subsidy mechanisms or state-guaranteed loans). However, while in France, Canada, the USA or Brazil charities can access those schemes, the third sector representative bodies of those countries are demanding specific funds for NPOs, as many of the existing measures are inadequate. Some charities have no employees as they are run by volunteers and do not qualify for wage subsidy funds.
Moreover, when it comes to state-guaranteed loans, governments often do not underwrite the total amount of the loan, and charities are understandably reluctant to take on liabilities at such an uncertain time. Even if they do apply for a loan, in the UK there is evidence that accredited lenders are refusing credit to NPOs that meet the requirements of the programme.
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The role of the state has gained in importance
These examples show the unique nature of the third sector and how it requires carefully tailored solutions by governments. In conclusion, the need to support the third sector is more prescient than ever. While philanthropic giving in its different forms will continue to be crucial for the sustenance of NPOs and the transformative activities they carry out, the role of the state has gained in importance.
In a time of pandemic, lockdowns and severe recession, the public sector will have to develop innovative funding
mechanisms for charities if many of them are to survive. A lot will depend on the uneven impact the disease is having on different countries, on the relative capacity of third sector to mobilise and make effective political demands and on the boldness policy-makers have when it comes to protecting our non-profit organisations.
Daryl Upsall comments: “Unfortunately, in this Covid-19/coronavirus world we find ourselves in, Governments around the world appear to be behaving like “a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” (Lord Darlington, Lady Windemere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde). Only when we have lost much of our third sector will we realise what was and is its true value to society.”
Jorge Hernando, Researcher at Daryl Upsall & Associates SL, is a recent graduate from SOAS, University of London (MSc. Development Studies). He works as a researcher for DUA. He uses his analytical and communication skills to provide its consultants with the information they need to make the best advice for our clients.
© Daryl Upsall & Associates SL, Madrid, 22 May 2020
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.