Groups join forces to respond to virus crisis

Organizations establish Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund

In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and financial need for nonprofit organizations during this health crisis, seven local foundations and community partners have joined forces in creating the Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund will deploy much-needed resources to organizations that work with people and communities that may be most adversely impacted by COVID-19, according to a Community Foundation of Lorain County news release. The Black River Education and Wellness Foundation, Community Foundation of Lorain County, Lakeland Community Fund, The Nord Family Foundation, Nordson Corporation Foundation, The Stocker Foundation and United Way of Greater Lorain County will work collaboratively to collect emergency funding requests, using a standard online application, to simplify and streamline the process for non-profits seeking emergency funds. The initial funding priorities will include emergency assistance/basic needs (including assistance to the senior population), education and youth services (including arts and culture programs) and Infrastructure (including the need for digital inclusion). Community Foundation of Lorain County will award grants on a rolling basis. As fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, the fund will adapt to emerging needs as conditions warrant. An initial round of grants will be awarded soon, and those grants will be announced at peoplewhocare. org. All partners are encouraging individual donors, companies, additional funders, and other organizations to contribute to the Lorain County Cares COVID-19 Response Fund via peoplewhocare.org. “Everyone can contribute,” said Cynthia H. Andrews, president and CEO for the Community Foundation of Lorain County. “Whether you are helping a family member, or a friend or a senior in your neighborhood or supporting this fund, everyone has a meaningful role they can play to help someone because we are all in this together.” Online gifts via credit card will have the most immediate impact. Donations of any amount are welcome, and all contributions qualify as charitable deductions. The group is seeking additional partners to contribute to the fund.