How United Way is Supporting Nonprofits During COVID-19

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community emergency (shelters, food pantries, healthcare organizations) are feeling the strain and expect an increased demand for services while simultaneously navigating decreased financial resources.

 

Nonprofit organizations may also face challenges providing support due to decreased workforce and a shortage of volunteers to sustain their respective missions. The operational challenges are mounting at a time when the needs may become unprecedented.

 

United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation For The Carolinas formed a joint partnership to launch a fundraising effort on March 16—the COVID-19 Response Fund. In partnership with Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, corporations, houses of faith and others, the fund supports Mecklenburg County organizations helping to serve the needs of residents impacted by the crisis, especially our most vulnerable populations.

 

 

How the Fund Works

 

The COVID-19 Response Fund is administered through a partnership between United Way and the Foundation. A grants committee has been established to review and distribute grants from the fund. The committee is made up of 17 local leaders representing a diversity of business sectors, backgrounds and Mecklenburg County geographic locations.

 

A competitive grant cycle is now open for future grant awards. The next grant deadline is April 3. Mecklenburg County 501(c)3 nonprofits that meet eligibility requirements may apply.

 

 

Grant Awards

 

The initial round of awards was distributed on March 27 as direct grants by the COVID-19 Response Fund grants committee. These grants ensure rapid funding for organizations on the front lines meeting basic needs for those affected by the pandemic.

 

Direct grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund include:

 

Ada Jenkins Center

 

$70,000 to provide emergency financial assistance and support to individuals and families in North Mecklenburg.

 

Camino Community Center

 

$75,000 to increase access to food and household products for the elderly and families.

 

Charlotte Family Housing

 

$75,000 to increase rental subsidies for clients who have lost employment or income.

 

Common Wealth Charlotte

 

$275,000 to provide no-interest loans and deferred payment schedule to workers in restaurants and hospitality fields.

 

Communities in Schools

 

$75,000 to facilitate delivery of food and hygiene kits to homeless children and families living in hotels.

 

Crisis Assistance Ministries

 

$146,688 to help those who reside in motels – and are unemployed or have lost wages – to remain in place.

 

Latin American Coalition

 

$100,000 to set up a bilingual hotline and electronic clearinghouse to assist the immigrant community.

 

Loaves & Fishes

 

$100,000 to assist with new delivery strategy required due to the crisis.

 

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte

 

$243,462 to reduce numbers in its shelters, maintain staffing levels and provide rental subsidies to clients who have lost employment or income.

 

Safe Alliance

 

$90,200 to reduce numbers in its shelters, maintain staffing levels and provide hotel rooms for domestic violence victims at highest risk.

 

Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte

 

$138,448 to reduce numbers in shelters, maintain staffing levels and provide rental subsidies to clients who have lost employment or income.

 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina

 

$500,000 to purchase food to provide to those in need.

 

SocialServe

 

$500,000 to work with landlords renting to families and seniors unable to pay due to the crisis, as well as help homeless families leaving hotels find secure rental housing.

 

Supportive Housing Communities

 

$75,000 to increase mental health services for residents, provide stipends for residents who are volunteering and assist with increased housing needs for residents who have lost employment or income.

 

 

Support the Fund

 

Online: www.HELPCHARMECK.org

Mobile: Text HelpCharMeck to 71777 to receive a text to the direct link

Stock Transfer: https://uwcentralcarolinas.org/donate-stock/

Checks: Make payable to:

COVID-19 Response Fund

c/o United Way of Central Carolinas/FFTC

P.O. Box 890685

Charlotte, NC 28289-0685