Small institutions support needy society during the Covid-19 pandemic
The pandemic has significantly affected NGOs working to raise resources. During this period, it was necessary to reinvent itself to minimize the effects of the crisis. It was these institutions that met the needs of the population at the tip. The main effects were to adapt its activities and serve, even with scarce resources and an unfavorable environment, as many people as possible.
The most vulnerable population suffered the most, but the resilience of these organizations meant that people were not left helpless. The emergency strengthened networking. To help cover essential expenses, Movimento Bem Maior chose to make resources initially allocated to a specific project more flexible, so that it could be used to pay operational costs, such as paying employees, rent, electricity bills and other expenses.
As a result of this flexibility, all social organizations remain active and, according to the PHI Institute's assessment, they managed to practically double the number of direct beneficiaries served.
Local organizations act surgically to support the neediest population. The need for assistance does not only apply in the emergency context, but also in the continuous investment so that these organizations continue to operate in a sustainable manner.
According to Carola Matarazzo, executive director of Movimento Bem Maior, the help that each NGO provides to the population in its territory is essential:
“Small projects make a difference. We talk about the collective, about institutions that are in the deep hinterland of Brazil, far from capitals, off the radar. They have no access to credit, financing, public notices. It is essential to continue joint efforts aimed at these NGOs. The Bem Maior Movement operates as an arm that supports these small projects. We know how important it is for them to act where public policy does not reach.”
Based on this observation, the Bem Maior Movement began a new phase that includes 37 social projects, in 15 states, throughout Brazil, operating in the areas: human rights, health, education, arts, accessibility and income generation, art and culture, environment and food security. The objective of these organizations is to strengthen fundamental local initiatives, through financial support, technical management of social impact projects; helping to train managers, improve physical structure, hire professionals, strengthen local networks and other measures, always aiming to build partnerships that enhance systemic social impact.
Colors of Tomorrow Movement disseminates culture and art in communities in Pernambuco
The NGO Movimento Cores do Ajante operates in Recife, Pernambuco, in Bairro do Totó. The project offers, through voluntary work, more than 20 cultural and sports workshops, serving more than 750 families in the region on a permanent basis. During this period of pandemic, face-to-face classes were suspended and specific actions to deliver food and delivery of prevention material such as masks and alcohol were prioritized. Weekly food deliveries have reached more than 5 thousand families in recent months.
According to Josué Barata, President of the NGO Cores do Ajante, the hope for better days is what drives those involved in the project:
“We continue to organize training online and offer support to students through WhatsApp groups. The situation has not been easy, but the community dreams of better days. Today we feel that we are not alone, and that even in difficult times amid the pandemic, Bem Maior and Grupo Cores do Ajante continue resisting and dreaming together!”
These local entities serve as a support point for the most vulnerable. It is ongoing work that can inspire similar institutions. Transforming the place where they operate, these organizations work to complement public policies.
