Community Foundation’s Pandemic Response
Since Indiana’a COVID-19 pandemic response began in March, the Community Foundation has been working to address the urgent needs of Kosciusko County. Using the Board Rapid Response Fund, the Community Foundation has provided $50,000 in grants to local agencies and organizations serving the emergency needs of Kosciusko County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first COVID-19 relief grant was issued to area food pantries who were seeing an increase in the need of their services due to layoffs. A second wave of relief was issued shortly thereafter to provide grants to area shelters and residential programs. These programs have experienced much higher demand due to the ‘Stay at Home’ order, with increased operational costs for food, supplies, utilities, staffing, cleaning, and Personal Protective Equipment. The most recent grant supported pop-up child care for medical and emergency workers.
These grants were made possible by the many organizations and individuals who donated to the Community Foundation’s Board Rapid Response Fund, including K21 Health Foundation, Zimmer Biomet Foundation, Crossroads Bank, First Federal Savings Bank, and Old National Bank.
In addition to financial support, the Community Foundation has worked to support our county during COVID-19 in a number of ways. Foundation staff meet bi-weekly with a group of funders to coordinate delivery of financial assistance through area nonprofits. We have also hosted two meetings of community leaders to help everyone understand community needs and keep informed of the current situation. Additionally, we have allowed our Community Funds grant applicants the opportunity to change their grant requests in light of COVID-19, recognizing that their needs may have changed.
As the current pandemic continues to evolve, the Community Foundation is dedicated to monitoring and supporting the needs of the Kosciusko County community. Individuals and organizations interested in helping to alleviate economic stress may donate to the Board Rapid Response Fund online or at 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw.