The Consequences of COVID-19 on NPO’s – Miracle Kidz Safe House

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic also have far-reaching implications for the role that NGOs play in the lives of millions of South Africans.

The more than 220 000 NGOs registered with the Department of Social Development, as well as many community-based organisations, perform crucial development, humanitarian and advocacy functions, and are an integral part of the fabric of our society.

Unfortunately, most NGOs are dependent on grant funding and individual donations to support their operations. As local and international funders are also affected by economic downturns, less funding will be available to support NGOs.

COVID-19 is not an event with a defined beginning or end, and it is likely to remain an ongoing threat for the foreseeable future. This situation makes NGOs extremely vulnerable, and some NGOs are already experiencing a decrease in funding, or fear funding cuts in the future. This is not the time for complacency, and NGOs will require smart leadership and creative fundraising efforts to prevent the down-scaling of operations or staff losses.

Despite the negative impact of COVID-19 on the NGO sector, many organisations are operating during the lockdown, providing essential services, food and medical supplies to vulnerable communities across the country. These interventions complement those of government and other stakeholders, and form an integral part of a collective national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, given the impact of the pandemic and extension of the lockdown period, these NGOs are in urgent need of immediate financial and in-kind donations to continue providing, or expanding their interventions. Most of them are implementing specific fundraising efforts in this regard.

The above is an extract from SA-NGOPULSE.ORG