- Credibility:
CHICAGO — A fund aimed at providing emergency food and basic supplies to people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic has distributed $8.8 million in grants to local nonprofits to date.
A second round of funding, $5.3 million of the $8.8 million, was distributed to 103 nonprofit groups providing emergency help to families across Chicago this week. The Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund was created by the The Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago in collaboration with the city of Chicago.
To date, more than 140 organizations have received grants from the fund. Thresholds, Beyond Hunger, Erie Neighborhood House, El Valor and R.A.G.E – Residents Association of Greater Englewood are among the grant recipients.
The fundraising effort backed by individuals, philanthropic organizations, businesses and local sports teams has raised $21 million.
A third round of grants will be announced in the coming days.
Funding is being distributed to organizations already working to provide emergency food, supplies and rent and mortgage assistance to vulnerable residents, said Helene Gayle, CEO and President of the Chicago Community Trust.
“COVID-19 has uncovered the longstanding inequities that exist amongst families experiencing poverty and instability in our region,” Gayle said. “As needs continue to grow, we know it’s going to take all of these resources and much more in addressing the emergent needs, especially among communities most in need of support as we continue to deploy emergency assistance rapidly.”
RELATED: $10 Million Raised In Less Than A Week To Help Chicagoans Hit Hardest By COVID-19 Crisis
Sean Garrett, CEO and President of United Way of Metro Chicago, lauded nonprofit employees and volunteers, calling them “heroes of today.”
“These essential workers are on the frontlines, bravely serving their community in this time of great need and uncertainty,” Garett said.
As of Wednesday, contributors to the fund include: The Allstate Foundation, Bank of America, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, BMO Harris Bank, Chicago Bears, The Chicago Community Trust, The Coleman Foundation, The Crown Family, Cubs Charities, DeBock Eccles Foundation, Discover Financial Services, Enova, Exelon and ComEd, First Midwest Bank, Healthy Communities Foundation, ITW, B and MK Pritzker Family Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, The Knight Family Foundation, Northern Trust, PNC, Pritzker Foundation, The Robert R. McCormick Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Walder Foundation and anonymous individuals.
Those interested in contributing to the fund can donate here.
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