As the nation’s largest grantmaker, Fidelity Charitable is committed to supporting the nonprofit sector and the communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to enabling our nearly quarter million donors to respond effectively to the many needs emerging daily.
Here are a few of the key ways we are working to support hard-hit communities in a time of uncertainty, both by facilitating our donors’ support through our donor-advised fund program and with direct funding through the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund (“Catalyst Fund”).
The Catalyst Fund has committed at least $1 million to support coronavirus response efforts, focusing on both medical needs and community safety, and importantly, to help sustain the nonprofit sector through the difficult period ahead. The Catalyst Fund is a direct grantmaking program, separate from Fidelity Charitable's donor-advised fund program, that makes grants focused on social sector infrastructure.
“The Catalyst Fund continues to focus its funding strategy on strengthening the infrastructure of the nonprofit sector, but these extraordinary circumstances require us to do more to immediately support the urgent needs created by this crisis,” said Catherine D’Amato, Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund Chair. “The nonprofit community needs effective infrastructure funding to create capacity, communications channels and platforms that allow nonprofits to respond to the crisis and to ensure continuity for themselves and those they serve. We are committed to acting quickly to provide much-needed support.”
Our donor-advised fund program provides a way for donors to make a difference—creating a “ready reserve” for when disaster strikes. But when that time comes, it is often difficult for the public to sift through the noise and understand how to give as effectively as possible.
We are focused on helping our donors and the public at large identify the most impactful ways they can donate, use their talents and harness their voices to help others affected by this crisis. Our giving guidance for COVID-19, which we are updating regularly, encourages donors to contribute to organizations that:
In addition to providing general guidance, we are also working to provide customized support to Private Donor Group and corporate account holders to structure significant, meaningful donations.
“The Fidelity Charitable donor community has proved time and time again that they are ready and willing to respond when their communities are hurting,” said Elaine Martyn, Vice President and Managing Director, Private Donor Group. “Our donors will no doubt display this enduring compassion in response to this crisis, as well—and we will continue to provide guidance and leadership that helps them maximize the impact of their generosity.”
We are continually monitoring the situation and will update our COVID-19 giving guidance as circumstances change and new information comes available.
How Fidelity Charitable can help
Since 1991, we have been a leader in charitable planning and giving solutions, helping donors like you support their favorite charities in smart ways.
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