Communities in crisis:
How donors are responding to COVID-19
Touching every corner of the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on communities close to home and around the world. This report, based on an analysis of Fidelity Charitable donor activity, demonstrates how many are turning to philanthropy to assist those facing medical or economic crisis.
Donors took action to support basic human needs
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted massive layoffs and left millions facing economic devastation. As the impacts of the virus reverberated across the country, donors stepped up support for organizations in the Human Services charitable sector—which provide basic, daily care like food and shelter.
Most popular charitable sector in each state
2019
2020
667%
Donors increased grant recommendations to free food programs by 667% over the previous year.
38 states
The most popular nonprofit among donors in 38 states and Washington, D.C. was a local food bank.
NATIONAL
Support for other causes remained consistent
Donors generally maintained their normal granting activity to issue areas outside the Human Services sector. Rather than redistributing their support to Human Services organizations from other charities, donors simply increased their overall support so they could address pandemic-related needs.
REGIONAL
Granting across the country
Donors in all corners of the United States turned to philanthropy to support vulnerable populations and those struggling most amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mid-Atlantic Region
Total granting
$520.2 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$46.6 million
Midwest Region
Total granting
$339.8 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$32 million
Northeast Region
Total granting
$393.6 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$24.6 million
Pacific Region
Total granting
$503.7 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$55.6 million
Rocky Mountain Region
Total granting
$177 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$4.2 million
Southeast Region
Total granting
$233.8 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$10.9 million
Southwest Region
Total granting
$180.5 million
COVID-19 relief granting
$9.8 million
Read more about how donors are responding to COVID-19, including a state-by-state breakdown of the data.
Additional insights
How to help?
Check out our charitable giving guidance to help support medical relief efforts as well as the communities and people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who we are
Fidelity Charitable is an independent public charity that offers one of the nation’s largest donor-advised fund programs, making charitable giving accessible, simple, and effective.
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