ERIE — On March 20, The Erie Community Foundation and partners Erie Insurance, United Way of Erie County, Hamot Health Foundation, Highmark/AHN Saint Vincent, and the Housing Authority of the City of Erie quickly created the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund and launched an emergency version of Erie Gives. Just two weeks later, 41 local nonprofits received $667,801 on April 3.
“Our goal was to rapidly mobilize needed funds to address unprecedented emergencies in our community,” said Foundation President Mike Batchelor. “We focused on nonprofits that can provide critical support to those who are facing challenges such as lost income, housing and food instability.”
A total of 72 nonprofits applied, seeking over $2 million. “Philanthropic dollars make an impact, but we also encouraged nonprofits to seek SBA Emergency Disaster loan funds, as well as funding from the CARES Act,” noted Batchelor.
For a full list of the 41 fund recipients, see https://www.eriecommunityfoundation.org/news/covid-19-rapid-response-fund-awarded-667-801-to-41-local-nonprofits.
The Erie Community Foundation, located at 459 West 6thStreet, works to improve the quality of life in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by promoting responsible philanthropy and by connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. To learn more, visit www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org.
