”Survive and thrive!” Our founders have undoubtedly heard our mantra these past few months as we have navigated the COVID headwind. During this time, many CEOs have stepped up demonstrating inspiring leadership in their companies and communities.

For example, child transportation service Zum delivers meals to school children in the Oakland school district, and an online classifieds platform Quikr, launched a platform, Stillopen.in, to help people find nearby stores, hospitals, and pharmacies that are open and serving during the lockdown period. In China, Squirrel AI, a company that provides AI-powered adaptive education, donated RMB 500M worth of online classes to quarantined students nation-wide.

Recognizing our core value to do the right thing, NGP Capital has donated $200,000 to assist those in our global community who are most impacted by COVID-19. The most severely impacted are the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities among us.

The World Food Programme estimates, that COVID-19 will almost double acute hunger by end of 2020. This means an additional 130 million lives and livelihoods will be at risk. According to UNESCO Institute for Statistics data, schools closed for 1.5 billion children putting at risk children who rely on schools for education, food, health services and friendships.

"The World Food Programme estimates, that COVID-19 will almost double acute hunger by end of 2020."

Many organizations are addressing these challenges. NGP Capital is supporting eight groups in the United States, Europe and China that are making significant contributions in these trying times. Read more about these organizations below and maybe find a charity you can support.

1. World Central Kitchen (WCK) – over 10 million meals delivered in the United States

Across America, over 25% of children are currently not getting adequate calories during weekends and rely on schools for their food supply during weekdays. Food supply is a critical need throughout the week, as schools are closed across the country. Food banks act as the first resource for the approximately 37 million Americans – over 1 in 10 people nationally – who struggle with hunger.

"Across America, over 25% of children are currently not getting adequate calories during weekends and rely on schools for their food supply during weekdays."

Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, WCK has delivered over 10 million meals, including 300,000 meals in Oakland and 40,000 meals daily to vulnerable people in the New York area, as well as to 125 hospitals across the US. Zum, a children’s ride-hailing company backed by NGP Capital, has partnered with WCK for delivery of food to schoolchildren in the city of Oakland. Donate here.

Local food banks in San Francisco

2. Second Harvest Food Bank
3. SF-Marin Food Bank
4. Alameda County Food Bank

Food banks are some of the most critical organizations that provide aid to the needy. They often act as the first resource for the approximately 37 million Americans – over 1 in 10 people nationally – that struggle with hunger. Our donation will provide around 40,000 meals to people in need in the Bay Area. Donate to Second Harvest Food Bank, SF-Marin Food Bank, and Alameda County Food Bank

5. Akshaya Patra – serving meals to 1.8 million children daily in India

India has been among the most hard hit countries in the world. India is particularly susceptible to COVID-19 as city population densities supersede those of New York City. India has imposed strict lockdowns, which has shut down much of the economy. Lacking a social safety net and emergency funding that have buffered citizens in the North America and Europe, hundreds of millions of people in India are at severe risk of economic dislocation and starvation.

An Indian 'Food for education' non-profit, Akshaya Patra serves 1.8 million children and almost 20,000 schools daily. During the COVID-19 crisis, they have switched to delivering food kits to families as well as serving meals across India. Donate here.

6. Beijing Century Charity Foundation - financial support to low-income students in China

NGP Capital is working with the Beijing Century Charity Foundation to provide financial support for Shusheng High School students in Sinan County, Guizhou province. The school is located in a low-income area in China, where students might be forced to quit school due to poverty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their parents, who normally go to big cities to find jobs and support their childrens' tuition fees, have not been able to travel to work during the pandemic, nor are there jobs locally available for them.

‍

Our donation will immediately provide help to 20 students enabling them to finish their last semester of high school and take the university entrance exams. The funds will also support another 20 students for five semesters.

"Our donation will immediately provide help to 20 students enabling them to finish their last semester of high school and take the university entrance exams."

Our portfolio company Xiaolu Clinic, an Internet-based medical services platform, is joining the project, contributing additional funds to support 20 students for two semesters.

7. Doctors without Borders (MSF) – healthcare service to the most vulnerable in Europe

Several European countries have been among the hardest hit with COVID-19 on a per capita basis. As of June 3, Belgium has had the highest rate of coronavirus deaths among its population in the European Economic Area at 83.2 deaths per 100,000 population. This is followed by Spain (59.8), UK (59.2), and Italy (55.5).

MSF focuses on improving care for the most vulnerable such as elderly people in care homes, homeless people and migrants living in precarious circumstances, where mortality rates have sometimes reached shockingly high levels. Our donation will focus on the work MSF is doing in Italy and Belgium, where many hospitals have been overwhelmed by the number of patients with COVID-19. Donate here.

8. Save the Children

NGP Capital will donate to food aid through Save the Children in Finland, where many low-income families are being hit even harder now due to the unemployment and furloughs taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the donation will go to organizations providing online support for children and young people. Donate here.

‍