LGT Venture Philanthropy

2020 – a year of unprecedented crisis that highlighted the value of partnerships

LGT VP’s CEO Oliver Karius reflects on a challenging past twelve months, and shares important learnings and opportunities he sees coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Date: 21 December 2020

2020 will not be a year that is easily forgotten. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unimaginable suffering and hardship around the world and wreaked economic havoc, the extent of which remains to be seen.

Yet for LGT VP and our partners, it has also shone a light on weaknesses, strengths and opportunities and taught us important lessons. Like for many in the philanthropy sector, these past months have been amongst the most fast-paced in LGT VP’s history, and our work has never felt more important.

I am immensely proud to look back at what our portfolio organizations have achieved in 2020 – in response to the pandemic and beyond - and am excited to share with you a summary of the impact of our Emergency Funding Facility, as well as an overview of preliminary learnings here.

As we approach 2021, I would also like to take a moment to say thank you:

To our portfolio organizations, for their tireless efforts to help and empower those in need and protect our environment. Their teams on the ground are the true heroes of the COVID-19 response, and some have lost their lives continuing to fulfil their mission this past year.
To the LGT Impact Fellows who have shown bravery and commitment, and have continued to support our portfolio organizations throughout the pandemic
To all our remaining partners and supporters –networks, alliance partners, our donors and funders
And finally, I want to thank my team and the LGT VP Board

GT VP is committed to remaining a strong and trusted partner, and to continue to implement our mission of improving the quality of life of disadvantaged people, contributing to healthy ecosystems, and building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous communities – together.

This year has shown once and for all that "if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together".

We look forward to creating more impact with you in 2021.

With kind regards
Oliver Karius

LGT VP COVID-19 Emergency Funding Facility Impact