Philanthropy, Civil Society & Covid-19: What now, what next?

<p>In episode 75 we take a look at the key issues facing civil society and philanthropy during the covid-19 pandemic crisis and beyond. We explore the benefits of historical insight, highlight some of the main challenges civil society organisations face right now, and consider the most important questions to ask as we look ahead to the future. Including:</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The history of philanthropy and civil society in times of crisis</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>Centralization-</em> what can we learn from C18th Hamburg and WWI in the UK about how crises lead to a desire to rationalise philanthropy?</li> <li><em>How do views on the causes of crises affect the philanthropic response?</em> Religious views on plagues and the role of charity<em>,</em> and how the understanding of epidemic illness affects collectivism and mutualism.</li> <li><em>Poverty, Power & Inequality</em>: The unequal effects of crises and the dangers- does philanthropy entrench inequality, or can it help to overcome it?</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Key current trends</strong></p> <ul> <li>Reduced income but increased demand. Many orgs in survival mode.</li> <li>Universal nature of crisis makes fundraising ask more complex (i.e. not “them”, but “us”)</li> <li>Enforced pivot to digital - how do you adapt to new tools and avoid pitfalls?</li> <li>Funder behaviour: unrestricted grants, core-cost funding, reduced reporting, trust-based grantmaking</li> <li>Collaboration, cooperation & coordination</li> <li>New digitally-enabled networks emerging alongside traditional charities</li> <li style="list-style-type: none;"> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>What might the future hold?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Will we see a shift in public expectations of state vs philanthropic provision?</li> <li>Will there be a rebalancing of the mutual vs charitable tradition?</li> <li>Philanthro-localism or philanthro-globalism?</li> <li>Will the reputation of philanthropy improve or deteriorate?</li> <li>Are decentralised and networked organisational models an opportu