The impact of the pandemic on Brazilian social organizations: how to face the crisis situation in the present and future scenario?

In August, Mobiliza together with Reos Partners and strategic partners from the philanthropic sector launched the full study report “Impact of COVID-19 on Brazilian CSOs: from immediate response to resilience”. 

The study sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on Brazilian civil society organizations and how the sector planned the development of actions and prepared (or is preparing) to face the post-crisis scenario. To this end, a questionnaire was prepared for civil society organizations, from which 1760 valid responses were received, 34% from the social assistance area, 21% that do not have an annual budget forecast and 21% that have an annual budget forecast of up to R$100 thousand . Responses from all Brazilian regions were computed.

Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the activities of CSOs, most organizations reported that they were impacted and the crisis significantly weakened them, with the main negative impact being the reduction in fundraising.

Despite this, 87% of organizations are offering assistance in actions related to COVID-19. The main action of CSOs consists of distributing food and/or hygiene products to people who were already served. Furthermore, almost half of the CSOs included in the study adapted to continue serving the public remotely. With the considerable impact on the financial health of CSOs, 65% predicts service reductions in the near future.

However, a significant increase in the demand for services provided by CSOs to populations in the post-pandemic period is also expected. For organizations, the main needs to deal with the effects of the pandemic are financial resources and engagement of civil society in supporting their actions. Almost half of CSOs reported that they have the budget available to operate for a maximum of 3 more months.

These are some of the data from the study, several other points were raised and discussed in the full version of the report. You can check out the full study by clicking here.

The work was funded by Instituo Sabin, Fundação Tide Setúbal, Laudes Foundation, Instituto ACP, Instituto Humanize, Instituto Ibirapitanga and Ambev. The following are part of the strategic research committee: GIFE, ABCR, Ponte a Ponte, Prosas, Move Social, Nossa Causa, Arredondar, Instituto Philanthropy and Philanthropy Network for Social Justice. Move Social acted as a technical partner in the research and Because in the development of the visual identity and communication materials.

* Mica Peres is a data and technology advisor at the Philanthropy Network for Social Justice.