More than 100 major US-based and international foundations pledged their commitment to more flexible funding to help grantee partners meet emergency needs prompted by the COVID-19 crisis. The pledge is spearheaded by the Ford Foundation, informed by conversations with the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and in partnership with the Council on Foundations.

Funders have agreed to commitments which include loosening or eliminating restrictions on current grants, contributing to community-based emergency response funds, and make new grants as unrestricted as possible.

‘As we experience this new reality, alongside partners and allies around the world, we must remember the remarkable impact we can make by working together,’ said Hilary Pennington, executive vice president of programs at the Ford Foundation. ‘Now, more than ever, we must join forces in a commitment to best serve our grantees, who are supporting communities on the frontlines of this global pandemic, with flexibility and resources however we can. The Ford Foundation is proud to take this pledge and we encourage our peer institutions to sign on, so our nonprofit partners can continue to propel their critical work forward.’

Signatories include The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Seattle Foundation, and Robert Sterling Clark and Skillman Foundation and the first global signatory was Oak Foundation.

Kathleen Enright, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations said, ‘One of philanthropy’s key strengths is its ability to pivot and adapt as circumstances require. That flexibility is needed now more than ever. The Council on Foundations is committed to supporting our members and the philanthropic sector as a whole as we make important changes to serve communities and the greater good.’

Funders interested in joining can read the full pledge at http://www.cof.org/pledge.