COVID-19 Giving Opportunities for Canadians
All around the world, people have been moved by the weight of the coronavirus pandemic, and our team is no exception. However, we continue to be inspired by the high-impact organizations working to beat the on-going pandemic and future pandemics.
Our team is eager to help Canadians join the fight against this pandemic by providing several giving opportunities that, true to RC Forward’s mission, have been evaluated by experts as some of the most impactful ways of saving lives, flattening the curve, and preventing future pandemics.
Please note that given the urgency of this crisis, these giving options have not been as thoroughly vetted for impact as our partner charities, but represent our best guess at the high-impact options currently out there. Further down this page we highlight our partner charities’ COVID-19 programs, and also highlight the case for continuing to support work addressing the “silent emergencies” of global health.
For one-time donations over $1,000, or monthly donations over $200, contact us to cut down on credit card fees and maximize your impact.
Give to top organizations fighting COVID-19
Support COVID-19 initiatives for India
GiveIndia COVID-19 Oxygen Fundraiser
There is a critical and immediate need for oxygen in hospitals and COVID Care Centres. The GiveIndia COVID-19 Oxygen Fundraiser is potentially a good option, for GiveIndia’s “reputation among effective altruists, transparency about costs, and the fact that it pays among the lowest prices for concentrators, cylinders, and generators.” (Learn more here.)
GiveIndia COVID-19 Cash Transfer Fundraiser
The GiveIndia Cash Transfer fundraiser gives one-time cash transfers of over $400 USD to low-income families that have recently experienced a COVID-related death in their family. “Our recommendation is because of GiveIndia’s positive track record, recommendations for GiveIndia’s cash transfer fundraisers in the effective altruism community last year, and its strict “due diligence framework” to verify the authenticity of recipients.” (Learn more here.)
Top COVID-19 giving opportunities
The Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins (CHS)
CHS has been one of the most influential sources of information and analysis for helping inform policymakers’ response to the crisis, for instance by releasing influential situation reports at least once a day since January 22nd, 2020. Before the crisis, they already had a good track record of work on pandemic preparedness.
The Combating COVID-19 Fund at the Gates Foundation
Research and development are essential during a pandemic to create the tools that will protect and save lives. Equally important are the policies and plans that help countries prepare for and manage through outbreaks. This fund advances work in four crucial areas: diagnostic tools, vaccine development, therapeutics acceleration, and protection of vulnerable communities.
The Biosecurity Initiative at Stanford
A research center that carries out policy research and industry outreach to reduce the risk of natural and engineered pandemics. It has contributed world-leading research on emerging issues at the intersection of pandemic risk and biotechnology, and it aims to create a culture of safety and responsibility in the world of biotechnology research.
The Center for Global Development (CGD)
If your goal is to help the global poor through this crisis, this option could be a good choice. CGD has a successful track record in advocating for policies to help the global poor, and has recently decided to focus on responding to COVID-19 in middle and low-income countries. They are developing policy advice for these countries, who are often unable to access the expertise they need from multilateral bodies like the G7 and the World Bank.
Support our partners' COVID-19 initiatives
Development Media International (DMI)
DMI has received requests from several sub-Saharan African countries to support them in their public health messaging response to COVID-19. DMI plans to run evidence-based, high-intensity campaigns in its nine countries of operation to reach millions of people with potentially life-saving messages.
GiveDirectly (International Relief)
GiveDirectly is delivering cash to families living in extreme poverty impacted by COVID-19. Many of these families will suddenly be unable to continue earning a living, and few will have the financial resources to weather the storm. Cash transfers can provide much-needed aid during this uncertain time.
GiveDirectly (US Relief)
GiveDirectly is also delivering cash to low-income families hardest hit by COVID-19 in U.S. cities, including New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Seattle. Each household will receive $1,000.
Support vital health services COVID-19
Poor health and hygiene compound the impact of COVID-19. The World Health Organization recently urged countries to continue malaria services, as preventing comorbidities lessens the health impacts of COVID-19. Evidence Action has also emphasized the importance of their clean water initiatives during the pandemic.
We believe that supporting these global health charities during this crisis is an effective way to keep people healthy and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed:
- The Against Malaria Foundation (read their COVID-19 update)
- Malaria Consortium (read their COVID-19 update)
- Evidence Action‘s Dispensers for Clean Water* (read their COVID-19 update)
More about these recommendations
- Options for donating to fight COVID-19 by 80,000 Hours
- COVID-19: It’s not too late to act by Founders Pledge
- The best places to donate for COVID-19 by SoGive
- India COVID-19 crisis: Where to donate by The Life You Can Save
- Three charitable giving recommendations for COVID-19 in India on the EA Forum
Please feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions, feedback, or concerns.