Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund Distributes Grants

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri has distributed its first grants through its newly created COVID-19 Nonprofit Response Fund to organizations serving high-priority human services needs throughout the region.

The fund received a grant totaling $25,000 from the Tracy Family Foundation, increasing its ability to direct resources to regional nonprofits responding to and impacted by the current COVID-19 public health crisis.

“As anyone could imagine, the needs of our nonprofit community and those they serve far exceed the resources we have available,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are incredibly grateful for the Tracy Family Foundation’s generous investment into this fund, as it will allow us to continue addressing the needs of our community as those needs continue to evolve and expand.”

Nonprofit organizations that have received grants from the fund include: The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri: Emergency food distribution to food pantries in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, Knox, and Shelby Counties, MO.

Nonprofit organizations experiencing an increase in demand for services or decrease in revenue due to the current public health crisis are encouraged to apply for funding. Organizations providing vital basic needs, services, and resources to disproportionately impacted individuals and families and vulnerable populations will receive first priority for funding; however, requests to support other nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardship or providing other support services to individuals and families will also be accepted and considered as funding allows

Grant funds must be used within the Community Foundation’s service area, including Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties in Illinois; and Clark, Lewis Marion, Ralls, Pike, Knox, Shelby and Monroe Counties in Missouri.

 
Community members are encouraged to continue supporting their favorite nonprofits directly during this time. However, those who want to support nonprofits but aren’t sure where to give or how best to help can give directly to the COVID-19 Nonprofit Response Fund. As grant requests are received, they will be summarized on the Community Foundation’s website to provide the community and donors with up-to-date information on the evolving needs of our nonprofit community. Requests may be viewed at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/covid19needs.

Further information about the grants, eligibility, and application process can be found at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/covid19grants.