During these difficult and unsettling times, we want to reiterate our support for our partners as they navigate new and evolving issues related to COVID-19.
Luminate has signed pledges organised by London Funders and the Council on Foundations, and we are committed to supporting our partners in the following ways:
- Listening: We are here to listen, understand, and support wherever possible. We know that this is a very challenging period. Partners’ focus should be on the health and safety of their teams, family, friends, and communities during these unprecedented times. Therefore, we’re here to listen when our partners are ready.
- Adapting: We understand that many budgets will likely need to be reallocated and workplans altered. We know that planned events will likely be canceled or held in a virtual format. We anticipate that goals and objectives may not be reached, and that partners may be pivoting quickly. We know that reports may need to be short, delayed, or not submitted. We are also open to accelerating scheduled disbursements this year.
- Flexibility: Unrestricted grants are truly unrestricted. Our partners can use the funds for whatever they and their staff need to best address health, safety, stability, and resilience. Wherever possible and helpful, we’re open to loosening restrictions on other types of grants, to allow for maximum flexibility.
- Tech resources: Our IT lead recommends these products that make working from home a bit easier and more secure. We are happy to assist with sourcing and configuring:
- OpenVPN (free and reliable VPN solution)
- 3CX (cloud telephone system with app for iPhone, Android and other platforms)
- TeamViewer (for remote IT assistance to the end users at home)
- Zoom or Google Meet platforms
- Other resources: We are compiling a list of COVID-19 related resources internally. For instance, here is a sample of what we're reading:
- Coronavirus Tech Handbook (Collection of tools, websites, and data from Newspeak House)
- Coronavirus and Nonprofits (National Council of Nonprofits)
- Coronavirus: How to Support your Mental Health (BBC)
- Gendered Effects of Covid-19 (The Lancet)
- Managing Anxiety and Stress during Coronavirus (CDC)
- Supporting a Global Workplace (Engine Room blog)
- Tools for Virtual Events - free this year (Higher Logic)
- Virtual Events in the time of Covid-19 (and beyond) (Apolitical)
- Webinar on working remotely: Tips and Tools for Newly Online Teams (New/Mode)
- Physical, emotional and digital protection while using home as office in times of COVID-19 (Frontline Defenders)
- Preparing for the long-term: This situation is rapidly evolving, and we cannot yet predict the inevitable social, physical, and economic shifts that will take place. Nor do we know how our partners — working tirelessly to build more just and fair societies — will be impacted. We commit to working alongside our partners, other funders, and the global philanthropic community to learn how we can best support the sector, ecosystems, and systems in which we work.
Read CEO Stephen King's initial statement on COVID-19 here.