Hello Partners & Friends,

In this time of great uncertainty, I hope this message finds you well. IDF appreciates that the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on all of us in different ways. You are all in our hearts, on our minds, and in our prayers as this crisis unfolds.

To support partners as soon as possible, IDF has established a COVID-19 Emergency Fund for our current grantee partners. We recognize that all nonprofits will experience a variety of challenges related to this crisis. At this moment, IDF has decided to prioritize funding for organizations with small to medium size operating budgets (under $5M). We are also prioritizing organizations that are engaged in direct service provision to communities hardest hit by the pandemic. My team has also put together a resource page compiling the many contingency funds that are being put together and also some contemplative resources to help preserve one’s sanity during these tenous times. You can find this list here.

As things unfold for your organization and the communities you serve, please stay in touch. IDF will continue to assess the situation and determine ways we can be helpful. As we learn about available resources, we will share them with you and our broader IDF network on our website.

On a reflective note, I was struck by some inspiration today sitting outside enjoying the about 60 degree temperature here in Boston. I am a bird and flower lover – both things I have been paying more attention to during this state of quarantine. Just as I find nature grounding and settling when things are not at all grounded or settled, poetry has also provided me such comfort throughout my life. I am a huge Alice Walker fan. So I thought I would share one of her poems with you that I hope can, in part, carry you through this bizarre moment we all find ourselves in.

Expect Nothing

Expect nothing. Live frugally.
On surprise.
Become a stranger
To need of pity
Or, if compassion be freely
Given out
Take only enough
Stop short of the urge to plead
Then purge away the need.

Wish for nothing larger
Than your own small heart
Or greater than a star;
Tame wild disappointment
With cares unmoved and cold
Make of it a parka
For your soul.

Discover the reason why
So tiny human midget
Exists at all
So scared unwise.
But expect nothing. Live frugally
On surprise.

Be well.

Best,
Lisa Jackson, Managing Partner
Imago Dei Fund