Montco COVID-19 Fund issues $212K in relief
12 area nonprofits were among the recipients
A dozen area non-profit organizations are among the 63 recipients of grants from a Montco fund.
A dozen area nonprofit organizations are among the 63 recipients of grants from a Montgomery County fund created to ease the burdens brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund distributed $212,000 to food pantries, senior care programs, rent, and utility payment programs for low-income residents, behavioral healthcare and telehealth services, ambulance services, childcare for healthcare workers, domestic violence services, protective personal equipment purchase for nonprofits continuing essential in-person services, public benefits navigator support, and emergency shelters among others, according to information released Wednesday by the county.
In the greater Pottstown area, the following organizations received funding:
• YWCA Tri-County Area
• The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities
• The Open Link
• Pottstown Area Children’s Foundation
• New Hanover Lutheran Church
• Kencrest Services, which facilities in Spring City, Pottstown and Blue Bell,
• Greater Philadelphia YMCA, which operates facilities in Audubon, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Spring Valley, Upper Perk and Gilbertsville,
• Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service,
• Foundation for Pottstown Education,
• Family Service of
Montgomery County PA, which has offices in Pottstown and Eagleville,
• Bethel Community Church of Pottstown
• ACLAMO Family Center, which has offices in Norristown and Pottstown.
Additionally, several other organizations that provide services countywide were also provided with funding.
The information released by the county did not specify which programs were funded or how much each organization received.
Within two weeks of the fund opening on March 26, 140 nonprofits applied for relief grants.
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.
Additional consideration was given to ensure that needs of historically underserved communities, such as recent immigrants and people of color, were also met, according to the information provided by the county.
The MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund was established by six local philanthropies and the County of Montgomery and is managed by the Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.
This pooled funding model allows nonprofits in need to apply once for grants rather than apply separately to each foundation or corporate giving program — easing up the paperwork during a time when many nonprofits and front-line responders are working overtime to respond to the crisis.
To date, close to $300,000 has been raised for the fund, including almost $60,000 in donations from private individuals.
Still, more funds are needed to support the efforts of first responders and social safety net providers. The need is unparalleled and will continue to grow over the next several months.
The fund allows residents, businesses, and philanthropies to donate money towards COVID-19 relief efforts.
You can donate to the fund online at www.mcfoundationinc.org, or you can send a check payable to: The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., The MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund, 4 Sentry Parkway East, Suite 302, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
Funds may also be wired. For instructions, email execoffice@mcfoundationinc.org or call 484-532-7387.