11 Life Is On | Schneider Electric www.se.com 2021 Social Impact Report 3.5 Responding to the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 emergency In April 2020, the Schneider Electric Foundation set up the Tomorrow Rising fund in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. The purpose of this global initiative is to provide local responses to meet the challenges of the emergency, to promote the recovery of education and training of the most vulnerable young people and to boost resilience. 1 Response: an initial response to the emergency. Food bank, first aid, COVID-19 health kits, maintenance of access to education, etc. For example, a project in China to help low- income students in technical schools to cope better with the crisis (SDG 1 and SDG 4); 2 Recovery: support to the Foundation’s partners in resuming their activities and helping them to roll-out new ones, in particular, the establishment of new partnerships to provide training in energy trades to young people. For example, a project in Brazil to provide young people with tablets and internet access (SDG 4 and SDG 10); 3 Resilience: the ability to continue to train and awareness- raising actions using digital technologies. KiMSO conducted an assessment of the Tomorrow Rising initiative, based on a three-stakeholders approach, covering all the regions where the initiative has been deployed. Interviews and online surveys took place between July and October 2020. 74 projects in 65 countries 70% new partners of the Foundation €5.5K to €65.5K In a context where funding became scarce More than 25% of the budget for 1/3 project 1.5 million of beneficiaries of which 78% below the poverty line Strong effects on their confidence and credibility in a context of uncertainty Tomorrow Rising Impact study* * This qualitative and quantitative study was conducted in 2020 by KIMSO, Research & Consulting in social impact assessment. The online survey covered all affected areas and resulted in a 60% response rate (37 answers). Scores “quite agree/completely agree” are bundled in % figures. ** Many project owners also mentioned emerging needs to due the crisis, such as employment and health. Priorities for project owners (Emergency aid should not replace long-term support) • 54% more budget • 51% unrestricted financial support (for project and running costs) • 49% over-time fundings • 46% to be put in contact with other funders Project owners Support Impact on beneficiaries Impact on project owners and NGOs Study findings 89% answering to an emergency situation 68% Specific projects created to face the COVID-19 health crisis 75% addressing existing needs that have increased due to the COVID-19 crisis** (food, education, housing...) Study findings Crucial for 35% of the NGOs Quick and flexible 87% were able to fill In the funding request form easily Study findings 1. Access emergency food aids 2. Get digital tools for school/studies 3. Keep hope about the future 4. Access protective medical equipment or hygiene kits Study findings 1. Meet beneficiaries needs for all 2. Teams confidence and motivation 3. New relationships with partners 4. Greater visibility