The joint effort by the United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the City of Worcester to create a fund to address community needs in the coronavirus crisis has raised $2.1 million.
The Worcester Together fund already has awarded $70,000 through nine grants, said Tim Garvin, president and CEO of the United Way. The focus of the fund is for emergency basic needs, gaps in funding for essential services, and long-term recovery.
The largest donation to the Worcester Together fund, $1 million, came from the George I. Alden Trust of Worcester, said Garvin.
“My hope is that the Alden contribution will inspire all — all family foundations, all corporations, all businesses, and all individuals — to contribute,” he said.
On Wednesday, the GWCF started the coronavirus fund with $535,000 and later joined its efforts with the United Way and the City of Worcester.
The fund is close to lining up another $250,000 in donations on Tuesday, Garvin said.
