COVID-19 Regional Response Fund Grants $2.5 Million to Help with Coronavirus Pandemic Crisis
Press Release
Cincinnati (April 9, 2020) Nonprofits throughout the Greater Cincinnati region have received $2.5 million so far to provide support to families and individuals suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The contributions have had immediate impact. From housing for 40 single mothers and their children through Bethany House and care packages and food for customers of Brighton Center in Northern Kentucky to families supported by Dearborn County Clearinghouse, donations to the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund have made a real difference to these communities’ most vulnerable residents.
The fund is focused on deploying flexible resources to community-based organizations that are supporting families and neighborhoods most negatively affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati teamed up to activate the fund.
“Thank you to the entire community, specifically to our generous donors. This region has stepped up in a big way,” said Ellen M. Katz, President/CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. “We are talking to those directly affected by the coronavirus to understand the region’s greatest needs and know there is still much work to be done. Now is the time. Together we are stronger.”
The fund was able to distribute money quickly due to early contributions from our funding partners: bi3; Charles H. Dater Foundation; Deaconess Associations Foundation; Fifth Third Foundation; First Financial Bank; The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation; Procter & Gamble; Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee; Scripps Howard Foundation; and Western & Southern Financial Group.
“$2.5 million is a milestone, but it is not an end,” said Moira Weir, President/CEO of United Way. “I appreciate that we were able to provide relief quickly because we know people are so vulnerable right now. I also pledge we will continue to assess needs and ensure additional funding is distributed to the organizations and programs leading us through the relief and recovery process.”
To inspire our community to step forward to help our neighbors most in need right now, an anonymous donor is generously providing a $250,000, 1:1 match for credit card and check donations. No gift is too small. Simply text RAPID to 91999.
To learn more about the fund and to read stories of impact this support has had on the individuals and families in our community visit www.covid19regionalfund.org. #StrongerTogether
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