How did CSOs respond to the Covid-crisis? - rapid analysis

In its survey, the Civilization Coalition sought to map changes in the operation, activities and management of CSOs in order to obtain a more accurate picture of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and its political and economic consequences on the civil sphere.

A total of 85 responses were received to the online questionnaire between May 8 and 20. About half of the responding organizations have a national scope, a relative majority of them (43%) have their headquarters in Budapest, with few exceptions operate in the form of a foundation or association (95%), and 80 % is at least ten years old. Respondent organizations are active topics such as law defence, culture, minorities, environment, education, counseling, community organization, health, and social affairs among others.

It is clear from the answers concerning the activities that the everyday life of CSOs was significantly affected by the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. In total, about three-quarters of them have already suffered short-term economic losses, and in the same number of cases, the emergency has prevented organizations from carrying out their activities. This was accompanied by a decrease in funding for almost two-thirds of all respondents and by partially or completely stopping projects for the same number of organisations.

The majority of organizations (60%) adapted to the situation smoothly in their operation, one third of them definitely experienced an increase in the amount of tasks. At the same time, a significant proportion of them, about 40%, also had difficulty switching to remote work. The same number reported that their tasks were reduced or their work was disrupted.

42% of respondents rethought the organization’s strategy. Most of them have completely switched to online operation, hold meetings by video conference, and only go to the office for emptying mailboxes, watering flowers, scanning, and other administrative reasons. Typically they and organizations having no office are the ones who have been able to start new support activities in response to the crisis. This was done by 40% of all organizations and they started activities such as fundraising (8 organizations), legal aid and legal protection (5 organizations), launching online programs (4 organizations), supporting CSOs through crisis grants or other cooperation (3 organizations), informing citizens (3 organizations) and distance learning (2 organizations).

Fundraising campaigns stands out even from the programs launched to help those in need. Overall, more than 20% of respondents began charitable activities or expanded their existing charitable programs, and more than a quarter developed or deepened their collaborations with municipalities and other institutions.

Most of the organizations that were unable to adapt and staying home is limiting their work on a daily basis (80%) did not start new activities. In response to the situation, 27% of organizations had to reduce the range of their services.

80% of  the organizations that have suffered short-term economic loss have taken new steps to make their operations sustainable, but more than a third of organizations that have not suffered short-term loss have done so too. Closely related to this, according to the three-quarters of the organizations they are at risk of losing revenue and grants in the future.

We received mixed feedbacks on fundraising opportunities. Several organizations experienced a temporary increase in the willingness to donate, mainly from private individuals, but at the same time they saw a decline in corporate cooperation, and rural local organizations highlighted the lack of available funds.

Overall, the vast majority of responding CSOs have already suffered short-term economic loss due to suspended services and lost funding due to delayed or postponed programs. Respondents made serious efforts to reorganize their operations and adapt to the new circumstances. As part of this, many have continued to provide their supporting services online, and many CSOs have added or expanded their charitable elements in response to the crisis. Although many organizations have changed their strategies and taken steps to ensure sustainable operations, their economic outlook is still considered extremely unfavorable and they expect further loss.