COVID-19 Community Response Fund

Grant Eligibility

Based upon the charitable structure of the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, grants are limited to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools and other public entities. We are not able to fund individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or other 501c4, 501c5, and 501c6 organizations. Aid to individuals will be handled through nonprofit organizations in our region with established processes for determining need.

Granting Approach

The Community Foundation and United Way, in consultation and partnership with other community entities, will administer grants from the fund.

Currently, during phase two of granting, priority will continue be given to community-based organizations providing basic needs services to marginalized and vulnerable groups of people who are disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis. This includes providing short-term support to these organizations as they reopen facilities and restart or reinvent their services.  

Vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to: Older adults, children, people with disabilities, people who are ill or immuno-compromised, homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, people of low income—particularly single mothers and their children, people who are unemployed or underemployed, health care workers on the front lines of Covid-19 response, and people who are home-bound.

Marginalized populations include, but are not limited to: people of color, indigenous people, people who identify as LGBTQ+, immigrants, refugees, and migrants.

Areas of Funding Priority

• Housing and Safe Shelter – stable housing, eviction prevention, and safe shelter for homeless individuals.
• Health and Well-Being – physical, mental and behavioral health. 
• Child Care – adequate access and availability.
• Financial Assistance – programs providing emergency assistance to individuals.  
• Food – rural access and availability, underserved groups, emergency response.
• Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations (see explanation above)  

Grants will be released on a rolling basis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs, which may require moving into previous, multiple or new phases of granting.

In order to move resources quickly and not further burden nonprofit organizations, there is currently not a formal application process for the fund. Eligible nonprofits can email United Way to share their needs so they can be considered during the granting process.

As the crisis and long-term impacts continue to unfold, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities will continue to assess the granting approach as the granting committee continues to meet.

The committee consists of representatives from the Community Foundation and United Way, and approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. 

Grant Recipients

Approved grantees will be published on our website and United Way as grants are awarded.