Local civil society organizations (CSOs), which include both formally organized nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and less formally organized non-state, non-commercial associations, play an important role in providing services to and representing the needs of poor and marginalized populations in many low and middle-income countries. Much of their growth is linked to their roles as partners and subcontractors for foreign governments and international NGOs, disbursing goods and services funded by foreign aid. Previous research suggests that global phenomena like economic downturns can lead many donors to reduce foreign aid simultaneously, and COVID-19 seems likely to trigger a broad contraction in non-health aid. One of the most common donor strategies for preparing local CSOs for foreign aid reduction is to seek to transition local CSOs to national government support. Yet this may not be feasible when local governments are also facing declining tax revenues and increasing expenditures due to COVID-19. Instead, donors need to focus on supporting the low-cost adaptations that CSOs have developed themselves, such as downsizing, increasing volunteer recruitment, and developing local sources of income. Such a strategy will not fully eliminate cuts in services to beneficiary populations, but it will enhance CSO sustainability, protect the civil society sector, and facilitate future regrowth.