COVID-19 Regional Response Fund Distributes $1 million to Nonprofits Providing Crisis Relief

Press Release

Cincinnati (March 26, 2020) One week after its launch, the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund has distributed $1 million directly to two dozen organizations serving our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families affected by COVID-19, specifically in immediate need of food, shelter, childcare and senior services.

“We are connecting with organizations that are providing immediate relief, trusted neighborhood agencies that are the first place people in need turn,” said Moira Weir, United Way President/CEO. “It is important to get resources to ground zero as quickly as possible. United Way is fortunate to have close connections that allow it to rapidly mobilize resources in times of crisis. We can’t thank the community enough for responding to our plea.”

To date, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati have raised nearly $4 million for the fund. “I am inspired by the generosity of our donors and this community,” said Ellen Katz, Greater Cincinnati Foundation President/CEO. “We are talking to our nonprofit community every day, listening and responding to the greatest needs individuals and families are facing. We know the need is much greater. Join us – support our neighbors when they need us most. We are stronger together.”

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.

The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund provides a cross-sector response addressing critical community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was activated by Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati, in partnership with contributions from bi3, Deaconess Associations Foundation, Fifth Third Foundation, First Financial Bank, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Scripps Howard Foundation and Western & Southern Financial Group. The initial goal is to raise $5 million. These resources are responsively allocated to nonprofit organizations meeting our region’s most critical needs at this time. Resources will remain fluid as community needs and challenges evolve.