As the world changes in response to Covid-19, philanthropic organisations are facing the heat.

When the lockdown first started for the 21 days, people donated generously, but in its second and third extensions many have tightened their purse strings, say members and heads of social organisations.

As the economy looks uncertain and donors dry up, organisations are trying their best to prepare a backup plan so that the needy keep getting food and dry ration.

The Chhotagovindpur Sarvajanik Durga Puja Samiti, which has been feeding around 300 people a day in the slums since lockdown, is now beginning to feel the cash crunch. “People donated more than enough in the first two phases (of the lockdown). We successfully distributed cooked meals to 300 people a day, but as days pass by, we have to individually approach donors, mostly businessmen, with appeals for financial help,” said Ashutosh Singh, general secretary of the Samiti.

He added that so far they distributed cooked meals but from Monday would distribute groceries.

“If the lockdown extends, there will be a problem,” said Singh.

Kolhan’s largest trade outfit, The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), is also feeding families in Salgajhari on the city’s outskirts. They are regularly feeding 450 people a day, but “the future is uncertain”, members say.

“Initially everyone donated generously but if the lockdown increases and our country’s Covid-19 graph does not flatten, donations will be hit. We will do everything possible, including pooling our personal contributions to keep feeding people. But we will have to try and approach donors after a few days for uninterrupted food distribution,” said SCCI general secretary Bharat Vasani.

B-school XLRI had raised Rs 12 lakh for social work. Now, the officials involved said they have to start raising funds by the third week of May again.

Former banker and well-known social worker of Jamshedpur Amitava Ghosh agreed this situation was unprecedented and unforeseen.

“Our NGO Kalamandir has been raising funds to help artists and people in the Dhalbhumgarh block of East Singhbhum. But in tough times, philanthropists also face a cash crunch. Though many people and organisations have given a lot, if the lockdown extends, donors will back out. As of now there is no solution to this. Sadly in this social system few understand the real meaning of sustainable development,” said Ghosh.