March 17, 2020
To our Tremaine Foundation family of grantees,
We are sending waves of compassion and heartfelt support as everyone crafts multidimensional responses to the rapidly changing and complex landscape of COVID-19. We also share the heightened sensitivity to the disparate impacts this is having in communities coast to coast and globally. This level of crisis underscores the vulnerabilities in our systems. We join others in paying homage to formal and informal first responders and to those organizing rapid response funds and measures for people, families, and whole populations immediately affected. We also see opportunities for larger, systems level change and we invite you to share your system fix innovations and visions.
As part of the philanthropic community, we hold our responsibility high and we are collaborating with funder affinity groups locally and nationally to stay informed and consider responses. Our operations will continue without much disruption and we want you to know that we are here for you. We are aware that you may have major operational, service and programming challenges. To provide a small measure of relief, we want to share the following Tremaine Foundation responses (with additional thoughts and actions still in formation):
We offer full flexibility on current grants!
We will do our best to help you navigate governance, operational or related disruptions/challenges, Below are a few resources to consider and consult:
We are available to meet with you virtually:
We believe this is a moment for staying connected (through physical distance), for getting creative about survival for all, for organizing around a positive future, and for being well (including all public safety actions and taking time – even a few minutes - for self-care and grounding). On the last note, you might like some of the healing practices curated here – or these resources on Coronavirus Anxiety - Helpful Expert Tips and Resources.
With love and in solidarity,
Michelle, Heather, Alexis, Renie and the board of the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
To our Tremaine Foundation family of grantees,
We are sending waves of compassion and heartfelt support as everyone crafts multidimensional responses to the rapidly changing and complex landscape of COVID-19. We also share the heightened sensitivity to the disparate impacts this is having in communities coast to coast and globally. This level of crisis underscores the vulnerabilities in our systems. We join others in paying homage to formal and informal first responders and to those organizing rapid response funds and measures for people, families, and whole populations immediately affected. We also see opportunities for larger, systems level change and we invite you to share your system fix innovations and visions.
As part of the philanthropic community, we hold our responsibility high and we are collaborating with funder affinity groups locally and nationally to stay informed and consider responses. Our operations will continue without much disruption and we want you to know that we are here for you. We are aware that you may have major operational, service and programming challenges. To provide a small measure of relief, we want to share the following Tremaine Foundation responses (with additional thoughts and actions still in formation):
We offer full flexibility on current grants!
- We are suspending grant reporting deadlines and we will work with you in the months ahead regarding funding extensions. We also understand that first level communications and extensions may need to be further revised as conditions unfold
- We will consider full scale changes in scopes of work, including conversion of project grants to general operating grants
We will do our best to help you navigate governance, operational or related disruptions/challenges, Below are a few resources to consider and consult:
- Managing Through Tough Times from Bridgespan, with a special section on COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits and Funders
- Nonprofit New York offers a template for Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan
We are available to meet with you virtually:
- We can be a sounding board as you review your internal operations and programming responses
- We are available to play convening roles as may be helpful in your respective fields
- We can serve as a trusted thought partner on any matter that concerns you
We believe this is a moment for staying connected (through physical distance), for getting creative about survival for all, for organizing around a positive future, and for being well (including all public safety actions and taking time – even a few minutes - for self-care and grounding). On the last note, you might like some of the healing practices curated here – or these resources on Coronavirus Anxiety - Helpful Expert Tips and Resources.
With love and in solidarity,
Michelle, Heather, Alexis, Renie and the board of the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation