Grant applications being accepted for COVID-19 Community Response Fund in Elkhart County

PRESS RELEASE

March 27, 2020

ELKHART, Indiana – The Community Foundation of Elkhart County and United Way of Elkhart & LaGrange Counties are accepting applications for grants from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

A joint fund has been created to meet the local needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. A single grant application to be reviewed by representatives from both agencies is now available on either organization’s website, InspiringGood.org or unitedwayec.org.

Churches and nonprofit organizations helping people who have needs because of the crisis are encouraged to apply for grants of any size. Representatives from both the Community Foundation and United Way will review a submitted grant application and make a decision on awarding funds. That will be communicated to the grant applicant directly. Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to connect with the 2-1-1 resource referral hotline.

Candy Yoder, Chief Program Officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, added, “By creating a single grant application, we can respond quickly to needs that arise in our
community and support those working on the front lines to help our community navigate the evolving situations arising from the virus.”

The Community Foundation and United Way are partnering with private and family foundations, businesses, and local government agencies to raise and grant funds quickly to organizations serving those most in need and to ensure an efficient and coordinated response.

Donations can be made to the United Way or Community Foundation in a variety of ways, including online at both websites.

Keith Sarber, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Elkhart & LaGrange Counties, said, “United Way is thankful for the extraordinary effort of our local nonprofits, and we’re grateful for the partnership with our Community Foundation. These are difficult times for  families and our frontline nonprofits to manage resources. We are standing with working
families and our nonprofit leaders. We are ready to help in any way we can.”