Tom and Kathy are just one example of the many Vanguard Charitable donors who have answered the call as the pandemic sweeps the globe.

On the other side of the country in California’s Bay Area, Eugene Jhong quickly searched for organizations that could make an immediate and pivotal impact. He decided to grant to Flexport.org, a nonprofit that facilitates the rapid and efficient delivery of much-needed aid supplies across the world, and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, a local food bank providing healthy meals to those in need. His grants to these two charities totaled $200,000.

“Both organizations have already made a huge difference in tackling some of the most pressing challenges,” Eugene said.

For many donors, the COVID-19 crisis has added new clarity to their charitable giving.

“My wife Carolyn and I have always focused on being very efficient with donations, but with today’s urgent need we’ve relaxed our process,” said donor Andrew Chatham. “To help organizations working to mitigate the economic consequences, we immediately gave to the local food pantry, along with Tipping Point Community and GiveDirectly, both of which focus on supporting those in poverty.”

But Andrew and Carolyn also wanted to support medical efforts. They were thrilled to learn about Assist International’s Step Up in Crisis program and its mission to deliver medical supplies and equipment to hard-hit areas in the U.S. They recommended a grant to help the organization acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line hospital workers—without driving up prices.

Corporate donors have also leapt in to help. NRG Energy has already surpassed its goal to grant $2 million through its DAF to front-line relief efforts. The Princeton, N.J.-based company has recommended grants to 55 unique organizations, with a focus on supporting first responders, educators, and small businesses. They’ve also distributed $450,000 to a fund at the Emergency Assistance Foundation to help support any of their own employees affected by the crisis. 

“Our front-line efforts are aimed at providing support at the local level in the places we work, so that our grants can have the greatest community impact,” the organization reported.

Charities truly appreciate the grants they receive. Post-Prison Education Program, a Washington state-based charity, reached out to express their gratitude upon receiving a $500 grant from a Vanguard Charitable donor. The organization used the funds to pay for rent at a sober transition house, or “halfway home,” for a woman struggling with mental illness who was recently released from prison.

Direct Relief, a nonprofit that delivers essential medical items to health care workers across the world, received a $500,000 grant from one of our donors. President and CEO Thomas Tighe responded: “Direct Relief is so deeply grateful for this extraordinary act of personal generosity. It’s a rare-in-one’s-life experience to get a note like this [containing details of the grant]. It definitely caught me short, but in a good way."

With charitable funds primed and ready for quick granting, Vanguard Charitable donors are uniquely positioned to offer crucial support during an unexpected crisis. In fact, on July 15, our donors reached the $80 million mark in COVID-19 relief grants. Those numbers continue to grow, with more help waiting in the wings: In a recent survey of our donors, 63% of respondents said they will change their giving patterns to give more in response to the crisis.

Numerous Vanguard Charitable donors have reported complementing their financial giving with volunteer efforts as well—delivering meals, helping neighbors, or gathering friends to sew large quantities of protective masks. One family redirected funds from a canceled vacation to charitable efforts. Others have reported leveraging social media to encourage giving among their followers. Then there’s the substantial number of donors who are doctors, nurses, or other medical personnel working on the front lines of the pandemic.

As the crisis lengthens, the need will continue to grow. Judging by the response so far, our donors are committed to using their DAF accounts, along with other tools at their disposal, to make a real difference.

Updated July 15. Do you have a story to share? Submit your giving story here.