The Greater Worcester Community Foundation has created a new fund to support a community-wide response to the coronavirus with initial funding of $535,000.
Named the GWCF COVID-19 Response Fund, money will be distributed by grants to support the interim and long-term needs of organizations working with communities disproportionately impacted by the outbreak.
Grants will target organizations with deep roots in the community, many of which work with populations without health insurance, access to sick days, healthcare workers, seniors, and those with limited English proficiency, according to the GWCF. Nonprofits seeking assistance can contact the foundation at COVID19grants@greaterworcester.org.
“COVID19 is both a current emergency and a phenomenon that will have long-term effects on vulnerable populations and the viability of some of the nonprofits that serve them,” said Barbara Fields, president and CEO of GWCF. “We anticipate multiple phases of funding to address both acute needs and the longer-term impacts of the outbreak and recovery.”
Funds will be released on a rolling basis, according to the GWCF, with fundraising continuing on an ongoing basis.
