From A Public Health Crisis to an Economic One

Steph Taylor, Programmes Director, Leeds Community Foundation and GiveBradford

 

The Story So Far

When I joined Leeds Community Foundation and Give Bradford three months ago, I was excited and full of plans. I had just moved back to the place where I grew up, and couldn’t wait to reconnect with the people that are helping to shape it for the better.

As has been the case for all of us, many of my plans went straight out of the window. COVID-19 brought huge risks both to communities across Leeds and Bradford, and the charitable organisations that serve them. As both a funder, fundraiser and a partner, we needed to act.

Much of my focus has been on ensuring that we can move resources – whether from national funds, our donors or the public – to where they are needed as efficiently as possible. We distributed half a million pounds to more than 60 organisations within a matter of weeks.

However, my colleagues and I knew that the short term response would only be the start of the story.

 

From a public health crisis to an economic one

The risk that the virus poses to public health is now much-reduced, though by no means eliminated. The economic impact of the lockdown, though, is only just beginning, and early indications are that West Yorkshire will be hit hard. In April, the number of people claiming Universal Credit across Leeds City Region increased by 62%, with over 40,000 new claimants – a change that officials describe as ‘unprecedented’. The situation is only likely to worsen as the government furlough scheme winds down.

Meanwhile, a survey of voluntary sector organisations by Third Sector Leeds, a partnership we are part of, has found that 3 in 5 are concerned they may not be able to survive longer than 6 months if the current situation continues. Small organisations and those dependent on trading income are particularly vulnerable.

 

Our approach

From the start, we have worked on the basis that the path beyond COVID-19 will be long and precarious. Even if charitable organisations are able to survive the immediate impact of the lockdown, their business models and funding streams will not return to the way they were before.

We knew that the close relationship we have with grass roots organisations would allow us to channel funds directly to the frontline in ways that other funders have found difficult – and that has proven to be the case. (We’re grateful and pleased to do so.)

That’s why the next phase of our response is continuing the focus on resilience. We’ve learned from the conversations we’ve had with our grantees, and what we’ve heard through the network we’re part of – so the next stage of our funding includes 50% earmarked for strategic and core costs, allowing organisations to think and plan for their long-term future.

 

Inequalities

We’ve also taken a hard look at how we prioritise our funding. COVID-19 has not affected all communities equally.

The evidence is clear that people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities are affected more severely by the virus itself, and we know that the inequalities they face mean they will be worse affected by the economic impact too.

We are prioritising and actively approaching organisations led by and working with people from BAME communities, as well as those working with other groups who face particularly acute risks. Supporting these organisations to survive and to grow is crucial to reducing inequalities in the long term.

 

Opportunities

At this stage, we don’t have all the answers on what will be needed as our sector adapts to an uncertain and challenging future. As a funder and fundraiser, we will keep listening to and learning from the organisations we work with, and changing our approach where we need to.

You can help us by telling us where there are things we have missed, and challenging us where we need to do more. Above all, you can help us to reach the organisations who may not have needed our support just yet, but will do in the future.

I’ve been inspired by the way that the team here have pulled together in extraordinary circumstances. I see the same commitment in the communities we’re working with, and it gives me hope that we can make common cause in planning for a future that none of us expected but it is within our power to shape.