Adapting to Covid-19 : experiences of a philanthropy infrastructure organisation

Abstract

INTRODUCTION South Africa, as well as the entire world, is facing unprecedented socio-economic consequences, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The South African non-profit sector is likewise especially exposed, as it navigates a host of unintended consequences while ensuring that it continues to support its communities. This thought piece is intended to highlight the challenges and opportunities in unlocking much needed emergency philanthropic funds for the sector through experience as an infrastructure organisation, to those non-profit organisations that play a critical role in South African civil society, and simultaneously advise donors on making philanthropic donations, quickly and safely. CAF Southern Africa (CAFSA) is part of the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Global Alliance, a collective of locally led infrastructure organisations, operating across ten countries, each working independently within their specific geographical and country contexts, to advance philanthropy and grow giving, in support of local civil society.