COVID-19 response fund reaches $300K
EAGLEVILLE » A program to support local relief efforts in response to the COVID-19 outbreak has raised nearly $300,000 and the first round of grants have been awarded to numerous Montgomery County nonprofit organizations.
As of April 13, the MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund, which was launched on March 27, had raised nearly $300,000, according to the county commissioners.
“This includes $59,000 in donations from private individuals and we want to thank all of the foundations, individuals and businesses who have contributed to the fund,” county Commissioner Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr. said during a news briefing.
During the first week of the program, 60 nonprofit groups applied for grants totaling $245,000, according to Lawrence.
“A total of $141,500 has been awarded to 41 nonprofit organizations that are working on the immediate needs of residents hardest hit by the pandemic and first responders,” Lawrence said.
The fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations with a successful track record of serving the needs of vulnerable county residents. The fund provides emergency grants to support local nonprofits working with residents most impacted by COVID-19.
“Its purpose is to support first responders and safety net organizations providing critical services during the COVID-19 emergency,” Lawrence explained.
During the first round, according to Lawrence, grants went to support a variety of basic needs programs, including food pantries, senior care programs, rent and utility payment programs for low income residents, behavioral health care services, ambulance services, child care for health care workers, domestic violence services, protective personal equipment purchases for nonprofit groups that continue to operate and provide essential in-person services and emergency shelter services.
“Projects were prioritized for funding based on the geography served, the capacity to meet the higher demand for services and
whether the project targeted particularly vulnerable populations,” Lawrence explained. “Additional considerations were given to ensure that the needs of historically underserved communities, such as recent immigrants or people of color, were also being met.”
When the program was launched last month, officials said financial contributions would exclusively assist community safety net organizations critically impacted by the current public health crisis.
Officials said the reduction of services along with strict social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, make it more difficult for low-income and food-insecure residents, seniors, veterans, the homeless and homebound individuals get what they need. As a result of the pandemic, officials expect a sharp increase in safety net services, and they said the relief fund helps them be prepared to meet the demand.
Nonprofit organizations serving Montgomery County can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support their relief efforts. Grant applications are reviewed quickly and on a rolling basis to ensure the funds are distributed as quickly as possible to the nonprofit groups involved in the vital work.
“The fund continues to accept grant applications and we’ll award additional grants on a rolling basis,” Lawrence said.
Through the countywide effort, residents can donate directly to the fund.
“More funds are urgently needed. There’s a lot of need for our first responders and our safety net organizations. The needs are tremendous and they will continue to grow,” Lawrence said.
To contribute to the fund, or to apply for grants, residents can visit www.montcopa.org/COVID-19
Tax-deductible donations may be made online or by check. Checks made payable to Montgomery County Foundation Inc., with MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund in the memo section, can be mailed to Montgomery County Foundation Inc., 4 Sentry Parkway, #302, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
The fund is a unique partnership between local government and organizations, including Montgomery County, HealthSpark Foundation, Montgomery County Foundation Inc., VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn, BLBB
Charitable, AmerisourceBergen Foundation, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation Inc., Genuardi Family Foundation, and Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia. The county’s three nonprofit collaboratives, BuxMont Collaborative, TriCounty Community Network, and the Interagency Council of Norristown, are also founding partners.
The partners seeded the fund with $250,000, but more donations will be needed to meet the demand, officials said.