Fundraising in Time of COVID-19: How Will The Pandemic Affect Your Giving?

How will COVID-19 affect your giving?

That’s the question that was posed to a group of friends meeting recently (online).

It came from the head of an international relief and development agency, which is anticipating a deep fall in giving this year.

The group included several retired people, one semi-retired, and a couple still in the regular workforce.

The consensus was we all will still give—just not give as much as before, or to as many charities.

For those on fixed incomes, who give a percentage of their incomes, they will give the same percentage. But due to the falling stock market, that will mean smaller amounts this year.

Others said they will still give, but likely give less due to reduced earnings and general uncertainty about the future.

Some said they will adjust their giving. They will continue to support key charities of great importance to them, but maybe drop some “extras” they give smaller amounts to.

Everyone said they were taking a pause in their giving right now, due to the pandemic. They indicated they would be open to giving if an organization gave them a compelling COVID-19-related reason to give right now.

None in the group are rich; no charity will rise or fall based on our giving. But we are faithful and regular, the kind of people charities depend on.

For the questioner, the answers were both positive and concerning.

It was positive, he said, to hear that we were still committed to being generous. But he also understood the circumstances facing the group; his agency will need to reduce its expectations for this budget year.

What will happen to your giving during COVID-19?