Washington County COMMUNITY COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND

A coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners has joined together to create a COVID-19 Response Fund that will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak in Washington County.

ABOUT THE Washington County COMMUNITY COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND

The Washington County Community COVID-19 Response Fund has been established to provide flexible resources to 501c3 organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. One-time operating grants will help fund front line human services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable communities. 

Grant allocation will be determined by the amount of funds donated. All donations will stay local. 100% of the donations to the  Washington County Community COVID-19 Response Fund will be distributed to community agencies. There will be no administrative fees attached to this fund. 

We will proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential recipients from community advisors, and recommend final awards. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.

QUESTIONS

• General questions & inquiries about the COVID-19 Response Fund can be directed to lsalling@unitedwayetnh.org.
• For interested donors and partners, please contact Leslie Salling at lsalling@unitedwayetnh.org. 
• For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Kristan Spear at kspear@unitedwayetnh.org

FAQ

I’M AN INDIVIDUAL WHO’S BEEN AFFECTED BY COVID-19. CAN THIS FUND HELP ME?

We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. We are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts.

While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we begin to award grants, we will post them here.  If you are looking for resources now, please call 211.

MY ORGANIZATION IS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR GRANT RESOURCES FROM THIS FUND. CAN WE BE CONSIDERED?

Please see eligibility requirements listed above in the Apply for Funding section. Based upon the charitable structure of the COVID-19 Response Fund, our grants are limited to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools, faith-based organizations, and other public entities. We are not able to fund individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or other 501c4, 501c5, and 501c6 organizations.

I WANT TO DONATE. CAN I RESTRICT MY FUNDING TO A PRIORITIZED GRANTEE?

To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to the needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations at this time. The COVID-19 Response Fund was created to provide a coordinated response to our county’s immediate needs.

SHOULD I GIVE TO THIS FUND INSTEAD OF MAKING OTHER DONATIONS?

This Fund was not created to be the only vehicle for getting needed resources into the community, but to help focus a regional response. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations that have benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those organizations that had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community.

WILL THERE BE MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF FUNDING?

We anticipate multiple phases of funding to address both the acute needs from the outbreak and the longer-term impacts of recovery. In this first phase, we are prioritizing community-based organizations that are serving communities and individuals who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis.  We will continue to work with our partners to assess and evolve our funding strategies.

IS THERE A GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF FOCUS FOR THE FUND?

The COVID-19 Response Fund will prioritize community-based organizations serving Washington County. We are doing this to allow donors to know that their help is staying local.

WHEN WILL YOU SHARE WHO YOU FUND?

We will share funded investments as they are awarded.

Round 2 Awarded May 5, 2020: $29,500

$5,000 Appalachian Service Project
$5,000 Good Samaritan
$500 Personal Support Services
$4,500 Project Access
$3,000 Turning Point at Frontier Health

Reallocation to COVID-19 Response: $11,500

$5,000 Boys and Girls of Johnson City/Washington County
$5,000 Coalition for Kids
$1,500 Girls, Inc.

Round 1 Awarded on April 3, 2020:  $33,100

Adult Day Services- $500
Appalachia Service Project- $5,000
Contact 211- $5,000
Girl Scouts- $600
Johnson City Schools- $4,000
Keystone Dental Care- $5,000
Safe House (Frontier Health)- $3,000
Second Harvest Food Bank- $5,000
The Salvation Army- $5,000