Affecting global populations for months now, the coronavirus is more than just an inconvenience, it is disrupting jobs, shutting businesses, impacting the supply chain, and causing financial hardship the likes of which many of us have never seen in our lifetimes.
With only government-deemed essential businesses open, mass layoffs, and often, unpaid leave, millions of people are naturally worried about their ability to keep up with their bills. During this difficult time, there are many companies who are offering a form of relief whether it’s extending payments or offering customers more time to make payments without unnecessary fees.
It’s quite an eye opener to walk outside and see a city shutdown, and the emotional toll of staying indoors for extended periods of time is palpable.
To slow the spread, most people are taking part in a 30-day shelter-in-place. And, the larger companies of the world are offering assistance in any way they can with services to meals to discounts and other offerings.
When there is pressure from all sides, and governments are overwhelmed, it’s up to our businesses to fill in the gaps until we reach the other side of this pandemic. We’ve already seen many famous artists offer free online concerts. And, there is more help on the way and/or available.
Here is a list of how many companies are stepping up their philanthropic efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
1. Kering, the company that owns Bottega Veneta and Gucci has already donated 2 million Euros to help beat this pandemic.
2. Banks such as Citigroup, JP Morgan, Chase, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Bank of New York Mellon, Wells Fargo, and State Street have ended stock buybacks for the 2nd quarter.
3. The CEO of Delta has relinquished his salary this year to help mitigate some of the layoffs.
4. Live Nation created Crew Nation to offer financial assistance for concert crews throughout the world. They have already committed $10 million, starting with an initial $5 million donated. After that, they will match the next $5 million is donated by fans and artists. Crew Nation has also been established as a 501c3 organization.
5. Billionaire Mark Cuban announced that if any of his employees purchase food and coffee from local and small businesses, that he would reimburse them.
6. Truist Bank is giving all employees who earn less than $100,000 annually a $1,200 pre tax bonus. They are also giving 10 days of paid time off to parents with kids who are out of school, along with child care reimbursement, elder care benefits, and emergency child care. If an employee earns less than $50,000 annually, the company will pay up to $100 per day for child care. Also, for every $1 that employees donate to Truist’s One Team Fund, the company will donate $4 and use it to provide employees with financial assistance.
7. MGM Resorts is distributing 480,000 pounds of food to those that need it most. In addition, MGM resorts has already committed to providing $1 million of disaster relief for an employee emergency grant fund.
8. LVMH Moët Hennessy announced that their perfume factories will transition to manufacturing large quantities of hand sanitizer gel. And, the company will deliver the products to French authorities free of charge.
9. Popular food delivery services DoorDash and UberEats have already eliminated commission fees for independent restaurants.
10. The Disney company has closed all its cruises and parks, but they pledged to continue paying their employees and will refund all purchased tickets that were to be used after the closures.
11. Design house Dolce & Gabbana has teamed up with Humanitas University to research the coronavirus.
12. American Express will help those under financial duress with the following options:
*Waving charges for past-due payments.
*Lowering your interest rates on a temporary basis.
*Eliminating any late payment fees.
*Decreasing your monthly payments.
13. Apple Card users can enroll in the Customer Assistance program to eliminate the interest from March’s payments and also to remove the need to make a payment in March.
14. The design house of Giorgio Armani gave $1.43 million to the Civil Protection Agency and four hospitals in Milan and Rome.
15. Guitar maker Gibson has shut down their facilities in Montana and Nashville, but gave hourly employees $1,000 to help during the pandemic. The company also created Gibson HomeMade that is streaming Gibson performances. Gibson has partnered with Amped Guitar and Gibson Gives Foundation to offer three free months of Premium Membership for new users of their Amped Guitar Learning courses.
16. Communications companies such as T-Mobile, Comcast, Charter, Verizon, Google, and Sprint have committed to keeping the Internet connected for all Americans for the next 60 days, regardless of the ability to pay.
17. The Prada company helped their fellow Italian citizens by donating two complete intensive care and resuscitation units to three hospitals in Milan.
18. During the next three months, DJ-favorite streaming service Mixcloud is nixing the revenue share from their fan subscription service, Mixcloud SELECT. All the SELECT channel creators, artists, and songwriters will get 100% of the subscription payments. Also, the company is offering a three-month trial of Mixcloud PRO and creators can monetize their content.
18. Hilton Hotels will remove all cancellation fees related to the coronavirus.
19. Portland’s Shine Distillery transitioned to making and distributing hand sanitizer.
20. Business networking site, LinkedIn, is now offering free access to 16 of its courses on topics such as virtual marketing, building relationships, and productivity.
21. Starbucks has partnered with Lyra Health to offer its partners free in-person or video sessions for up to 20 visits, and this is extended to eligible family members. Further, their partners can access a wide network of coaches and therapists.
22. CVS is one of the essential businesses allowed to stay open during this time, and due to skyrocketing demand, the company wants to fill 50,000 jobs in a wide range of roles from drivers to store associates to customer service and more. Due to the shelter-in-place directives, CVS will also utilize online tech fairs and online interviews.
23. Since everyone is staying in, the demand for pizza delivery has surged. For Domino’s, pizza delivery covers 55% of all its orders. And, the company is hiring 10,000 workers throughout the country to meet the need. Further, Domino’s now offers contactless delivery.
24. Just like Domino’s, Papa John’s is also hiring thousands of new employees to meet the current increase in demand.
25. Like other banks, Wells Fargo is offering customers assistance for a wide variety of unique needs. The company encourages their customers to reach out via phone call or online. They will offer options for the following:
*Overdraft fees and fee waivers.
*Deferring payments.
*Increasing your credit card limit Increasing the limits on your credit cards.
26. Ballpark workers are also affected by COVID-19, as such every MLB team has collectively committed $30 million to help mitigate lost wages since the season has been postponed. The league announced on March 12 that operations would be postponed indefinitely. And, the MLB is working with the Players Associate to figure out how to retain players and their salaries.
27. PepsiCo is offering an additional $100 per week to employees who are involved in the delivery, production, and transportation of their products. If an employee has to be quarantined, they will give them a full 14-day salary along with up to two-thirds of their full pay if they do develop a more serious reaction or have to care for a family member/loved one. The same offer is made to parents who must care for children who can’t go to school or daycare, and also can’t work from home for up to 12 weeks.
28. Standard Chartered, an international banking group, has given $25 million to help support efforts in countries where coronavirus cases have skyrocketed and where medical facilities have fallen short. On top of that, the company created a $50 million global fund. Plus, they intend to give up to $1 billion in loans as working capital and financing for companies who are working to deter the coronavirus.
Most of the types of companies who can access the fund are in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Yet, Standard Chartered has also pledged their commitment to manufacturing plants making goods such as face masks, sanitizers, PPEs, and ventilators. Global technology leader Cisco Systems has pledged $225 million to help beat the coronavirus pandemic. These funds will be used to help relevant organizations in education, technology, healthcare, and more who are collaborating to mitigating the negative impact of the virus and finding adequate and effective treatments as well as testing kits. Plus, Cisco technology is a leader in video conferencing with its popular system WebEx used by governments around the world. Moreover, CEO Chuck Robbins has partnered with over 30 tech CEOs in Silicon Valley to offer even more support to local businesses and the most vulnerable communities.
29. Global technology leader Cisco Systems has pledged $225 million to help beat the coronavirus pandemic. These funds will be used to help relevant organizations in education, technology, healthcare, and more who are collaborating to mitigating the negative impact of the virus and finding adequate and effective treatments as well as testing kits. Plus, Cisco technology is a leader in video conferencing with its popular system WebEx used by governments around the world. Moreover, CEO Chuck Robbins has partnered with over 30 tech CEOs in Silicon Valley to offer even more support to local businesses and the most vulnerable communities.
30. 7-Eleven’s CEO Joe DePinto commented on their efforts during the COVID-pandemic stating, “7-Eleven is a brand that cares deeply about the people and communities in which we operate, particularly the first responders and the medical community who put their lives on the line for us every day. When we heard shortages of masks were becoming a serious issue in hospitals, we felt it was our responsibility to respond and help.” As a result, the company made sure all its stores, franchisees, and employees had access to masks. In addition, the company donated 1 million masks to FEMA.
32. The Brooks Running company posted this on IG, “If you’re part of the healthcare community responding to COVID-19, we want to make your work a little more comfortable with a free pair of shoes. It’s our way of saying thank you for all you do.” company posted on Instagram earlier this month. They have also donated 10,000 pairs of shoes to healthcare workers.
33. The Ralph Lauren company has pledged $10 million to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, its Pink Pony Fund, and the Emergency Assistance Foundation. Also, the Ralph Lauren company is making 250,000 masks and 25,000 isolation gowns. Ralph Lauren issued this statement, “We believe that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all connected. That is why we are taking significant action to help our teams and communities through this crisis.” Plus, the company gave an undisclosed amount to the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to assist fashion designers who have been impacted during the pandemic.
34. GoFundMe has opened a general relief fund on their site for those who have been directly impacted as well as to community support and for organizations committed to finding a cure.
35. Crocs CEO Andrew Rees shared, “Like everyone, we’ve been closely monitoring the news and working hard to map out a way to most effectively help where we can. Over the past week, we have spoken to healthcare workers, their facilities and even their family and friends, and they have specifically asked for our shoes in an effort to provide ease on their feet, as well as ease of mind as they need the ability to easily clean up before they go home to their families.” Crocs intends to donate 10,00 pairs of shoes a day to healthcare workers and is donating up to 100,000 pairs of shoes across healthcare organizations.
36. Jimmy Choo has pledged to spread $500,000 between the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the National Health Service COVID-19 Urgent Appeal by NHS.
37. The Estée Lauder corporation donated a $2 million grant to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières to support its efforts in countries that lack substantial resources to combat the coronavirus. It also announced the reopening of a factory in Melville, New York, which will start producing hydroalcoholic gel. They have also donated a $2 million grant to Doctors Without Borders.
38. Diamond Resorts shared, “Like many, we have been looking for ways to help. We realized we are in a unique position to provide accommodations that are particularly well-suited for social distancing.” The company’s suites are larger than typical hotel rooms with the majority including full, in-suite kitchens with refrigerators, ovens and stoves, full bathrooms and laundry facilities, according to Diamond Resorts. Diamond Resorts offers contactless check-in and check-out with 72-hours offline time between room check-ins, and free rooms for healthcare workers on the front lines who need a place to stay. Diamond Resort properties usually come with full kitchens and/or kitchenettes.
39. Scholl’s Wellness Company CEO Craig Stevenson stated, “Supporting the healthcare industry has been part of Dr. Scholl’s DNA since our founding in 1904 by Dr. William Mathias Scholl. We wanted to do what we could for all the caregivers who are working tirelessly on the front lines, and it is our sincerest hope that this gesture shows our appreciation for those who are there for us when we need them the most.” Dr. Scholls Wellness Company has donated $1.3 million in insoles to healthcare workers, which will also provide 100,000 pairs of Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work insoles.
40. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation pledged $750,000 to the WHO’s Solidarity Response Fund and $250,000 to the New York Community Trust’s NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund. Further, they are offering an employee donation and matching program where the funds will be donated to organizations helping to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
41. The H&M Foundation pledged $500,000 to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. And, the company has rearranged its supply chain and manufacturing to start producing PPE to distribute to hospitals around the globe. Further, the company has donated 70,000 pieces of H&M products to organizations offering aid to children throughout the United States.
42. Fanatics changed gears and has transitioned from manufacturing MLB uniforms to producing masks and gowns using the same jersey fabric used for MLB uniforms. The company has pledged to make 1 million masks for healthcare workers throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Found and Executive Chairman Michael Rubin posted, “We have approx 100 associates working (extra distanced and in a very clean and safe environment of course).”
43. GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan stated, “These men and women are working around the clock to keep us safe. We’re relying on them, and they are relying on us and the products we make to keep their families safe and fed. Appliances are essential right now to help keep food and medicine safe, laundry and dishes sanitized, and food prepared for families. Our country needs us now more than ever before and it’s essential that we take care of our fellow Americans, especially those who are taking care of us.” They have donated essential appliances, in partnership with the United Way and in conjunction with the company’s GEA4Heroes program, to first responders and front line healthcare workers. Also, many of their products made during the pandemic will be donated to these types of workers.
The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation has pledged and donated $250,000 to Bring Change to Mind – a virtual experience company creating programs to decrease isolation for high school students -, the company also donated $150,000 to Girls Inc., which offers emotional support for girls affected by COVID-19, and $250,000 for the NewYork-Presbyterian COVID-19 Patient Care Fund.
44. Las Vegas Sands has pledged 2 million medical masks and 20,000 protective suits to first responders, associated nonprofits, and healthcare workers. The masks will be distributed throughout Nevada and New York. The suits will be distributed throughout Nevada. Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson shared, “Hopefully our donations will help protect people on the front lines so they can continue their invaluable work, and we can start to see the numbers of people affected begin to diminish. Our properties in Las Vegas may be empty right now, but our hearts are full of hope for the future. The determination and courage I have seen in our Team Members, which I know is the same throughout this country, gives me every confidence we will get through this unprecedented crisis.” The corporation has donated 5,000 masks to the LVMPD, 1,900 coronavirus test kits to the state of Nevada, and 10,000 masks to Las Vegas healthcare facilities, organizations, and institutions.
45. The Chanel organization issued this statement: “Today we are mobilizing our workforce and our partners … to produce protective masks and blouses.”
46. Little Caesars created an app to allow customers to send pizzas to healthcare workers, police and fire departments, and first line responders. Moreover, the company has pledged to deliver over a million pizzas to first responders and healthcare workers. Little Caesars CEO Dave Scrivano shared, “Hospital staff and first responders are working around the clock to help keep us safe and healthy, and they are true heroes. As a family company, we want to thank all of them in the best way we know how – by delivering a wholesome meal.”
47. The Brooks Brothers organization has transitioned its factories in Massachusetts, New York and North Carolina to produce a quota of 150,000 medical masks and gowns per day. Company CEO Claudio Del Vecchio offered this statement, “We are deeply grateful to the medical personnel at the frontlines who are fighting the pandemic, and we are honored to do our part and join our peers in retail to provide protective masks that our healthcare system critically needs. I also want to thank our dedicated manufacturing employees who are returning to work as we reopen our factories to make this possible.”
48. The New Balance company issued this response to the pandemic, “The global COVID-19 health crisis has called on individuals and organizations to bring their expertise and resources to solve new and extraordinary challenges. New Balance has engaged a portion of its skilled and innovative U.S. manufacturing workforce to develop face masks to address the significant demand for these supplies.” The company has transitioned many of its U.S.-based factories to produce face masks for healthcare workers from its facilities in Massachusetts and New England.
49. Nordstrom has alterations teams in Texas, California, Oregon, and Washington. Along with Kaas Tailored, has pledged 100,000 masks to Providence Health & Services. Also, the company is “donating one percent of the sale of gift cards to support community grants and programs.”
50. In New York, Serta Simmons Bedding will be donating 10,000 mattresses to hospitals and medical organizations. They are also partnering with Relief Bed International for logistics and distribution. Serta Simmons Bedding CEO David Swift stated, “As the largest American producer of mattresses, Serta Simmons Bedding is committed to ensuring those who are hospitalized have a bed available where they can receive care and heal. We’re calling on our peers in the bedding industry to join us in addressing this need.” The company said they will offer up to 20,000 beds per day “at the lowest possible cost if needed.”Invariably, the spread of COVID-19 has upended everyone’s lives and many people’s livelihoods. Yet, companies throughout the world are coming together like never before to help overcome the current challenges and to find light at the end of the tunnel
Invariably, the spread of COVID-19 has upended everyone’s lives and many people’s livelihoods. Yet, companies throughout the world are coming together like never before to help overcome the current challenges and to find light at the end of the tunnel.