When asked what the reality on the ground is for non-profit organisations (NPOs) after a year of Covid-19 and lockdowns of all levels, CSI group manager for Momentum Metropolitan Charlene Lackay summarised it in one exhausted exclamation: “Hectic!”
Lackay manages relations and donations to eight youth employment partners and many more in the staff volunteers network across the country and says that if your NPO was not involved in healthcare to any degree, it was likely extremely difficult for you to stay afloat without some serious pivoting.
On the other hand, she says NPOs who have been able to invest in their own sustainability could weather the storm though this is easier said than done, especially in this sector. “And those that have good governance, strong and transparent partner relations, and strong leadership, will weather it even better,” says Lackay.
Covid-19 impact on NPOs puts critical services at even bigger risk.
In September 2020, social investment fund manager and advisor Tshikululu released the results of a survey that unpacked the impact of Covid-19 on NPOs in South Africa. It found that 66% of respondents had seen a decline in income, with 35% having had to either reduce working hours, temporarily lay off staff or cut salaries. Luckily, only a small number (10%) went into full staff retrenchments.
To read more on the article titled “Why CSI isn’t where corporates should be skimping when it comes to budget cuts” click here
