Rapid Response Grants Available to Local Nonprofits for COVID-19 Assistance
The Washington County Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund has been re-activated and is accepting donations. Grants from this fund will provide flexible financial support to trusted nonprofit partners across Washington County who are responding to critical needs. The Fund also allows the Community Foundation Board to be nimble in their response to addressing our community’s most pressing and emerging needs, specifically with organizations working with our most vulnerable citizens. We need to recognize that our social service organizations have direct knowledge of these ever-changing critical issues, while also maintaining strong relationships with the citizens they serve. Therefore, with respect to this on-the-ground understanding of the ramifications of COVID-19, we will rely on our trusted nonprofit partners to communicate to us the best way we can be of help. As needs are communicated, it will be of utmost importance for us to provide funding to these organizations rapidly.
To expedite our regular granting procedures in this evolving situation, our Board of Directors has chosen to distribute awards from the Disaster Relief Fund utilizing a method called “Rapid Response Grantmaking”.
Our COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants will sustain and develop vital community services for residents who stand to lose the most from the unfolding emergency. This is why the ability to rapidly provide flexible resources to nonprofit organizations who are working on the frontlines, engaging and supporting individuals impacted by COVID-19 and the broader ramifications of this health crisis, will be paramount.
Priorities: Initial priority will be given to help fund frontline human services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable populations. Our rapid response grantmaking will address gaps in services and increase capacity of organizations to meet basic needs of individuals and families. These grants will address the needs of Washington County’s most vulnerable individuals who have been exacerbated due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The main purpose in activating our rapid response grantmaking procedures is to support the emerging needs of our nonprofits, which include, but are not limited to, food access, prevention of homelessness, medical services, and emergency childcare. Once the state of emergency has expired, any remaining funds will support nonprofit organizations impacted financially as a result of program disruptions or cancellations resulting in revenue loss.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Simple Application: To move resources quickly, we have opened a simple, rolling application process from now through April 22nd. Funds may be requested for up to $2,500.00. Grant amounts will be determined by funding availability. Awards will be assessed based on need and may be used for both service delivery and operations essential to emergency response and viability. To apply for a Rapid Response Grant from the Disaster Relief Fund, 501c3 organizations working within Washington County who are disproportionately impacted socially or economically by the coronavirus outbreak can access the COVID-19 Rapid Response Simple Grant Application by visiting the Washington County Community Foundation website.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Timeline: COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Recipients will be announced via email and press release. This grant opportunity will be extended if additional community donations to the fund afford us the opportunity to lengthen the grantmaking period.
Final Grant Report: Final grant use and expenditure reports will mirror those of our regular grantmaking cycles and will be required at a later date to allow our nonprofit partners to dedicate their time to their frontline clients during this time of hardship.
