Super Awesome People™ are struggling right now. Many of them want to help those who are most affected by the pandemic—people vulnerable to infection and those who have been economically impacted—but how?
Here are some organizations that need your support, whether you are able to give your money or your time.
Charity Navigator recommends nonprofits with COVID-19 funds 
The American Red Cross needs blood donations 
Freelancers and gig workers band together to share resources
Charity Navigator has a list of 3- and 4-star nonprofit 501(c)(3)s that are providing medical services, relief supplies, education and awareness, and community services during the COVID-19 pandemic. These highly-reviewed charities have been scrutinized on their financial performance, accountability and transparency, meaning that if you believe in their mission, you can be confident that the charity of your choice is putting your money to good use.
The Washington Post recommends several nonprofit organizations that need donations and volunteers to meet the needs of their clients, including the American Red Cross (seeking healthy blood donors to make up for cancelled blood drives), Direct Relief (to equip doctors and nurses with lifesaving medical resources), and First Book (providing books to keep children learning while out of school).
If you want to help to your neighbors, the New York Times recommends a cautious approach, as you could inadvertently put vulnerable neighbors at more risk if you bring deliveries or food to their doors and you are an asymptomatic carrier. Volunteer organizations like New York Cares have established safety requirements for their volunteers to help protect the people they serve. If you want to help others, you must first help yourself by washing your hands regularly (and thoroughly), wearing face masks, cleaning surfaces, and disinfecting the items you touch when you leave your residence (phone, keys, steering wheel, door knobs, etc.),
Certain industries and their workers have been especially impacted during the pandemic. Workers considered “non-essential” have been furloughed without pay or fired as businesses have shuttered across the United States. Gig and part-time workers are especially vulnerable as they are unlikely to receive health care or sick days from their employers. Minimum-wage workers have few protections and little savings to help them get through economic downturns and periods of unemployment.
The organizations below are dedicated to helping impacted industry workers survive—and thrive—in these difficult times.
- COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources
- National Domestic Workers Alliance – Coronavirus Care Fund
- Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation – COVID-19 Resources
- Freelancers Union Resources
- One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
- Creative Capital – List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak
As the first major epicenter for the pandemic in the United States, New York State has been especially hard-hit. Below are resources for residents of NY state and New York City. You can help by sharing these resources with friends and family who need assistance and information.
- New York City – Resources for Individuals
- New York City – Resources for Organizations
- New York and New Jersey – Invisible Hands Deliver (bringing needed supplies to vulnerable people)
- New York State – Office of Mental Health COVID-19 Resources
- New York State – Resources for NYS Arts and Cultural Organizations – re: COVID-19
- New York State – NYS Restaurant Association – Coronavirus Information & Resources
- New York State – NYS Health Foundation – Resources for Nonprofits and Community-Based Organizations
- New York State – Law Help NY – Coronavirus Resources
As every state and US territory has been impacted by the pandemic, local governments are collecting their own resource lists for pandemic-related services and support. Seek out the .gov websites of your loved ones’ cities and states and share with anyone you know who might be in need.
Thanks for being awesome!