The United Way of Dane County announced today that 36 applications representing more than 90 organizations will receive approximately $1.5 million in grant funding through the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund.
“The needs that are arising from Coronavirus are unprecedented,” said United Way President & CEO Renee Moe in a statement. “Families are looking for resources right now to keep food on the table, pay their bills and stay in their homes. There is a delay for those eligible for unemployment or federal stimulus dollars. We aim to get dollars into the hands of people who need help right now.”
The COVID-19 Emergency Fund was launched March 13 in collaboration with Boys & Girls Club of Dane County and Selfless Ambition, and it ultimately raised $2 million. About $425,000 was granted to local organizations in the first phase of the granting process and additional dollars were designated by donors to local organizations and other United Ways.
The remaining $1.5 million has been awarded to these organizations to support Coronavirus-related food, housing and flexible funding needs.
“These investments reflect our committee’s goal to address our community’s greatest needs during this crisis, including housing and food insecurity, job/income loss and childcare issues– particularly among communities of color who are disproportionately affected by this pandemic,” said Dr. Barbara Nichols, United Way Vision Council Chair and Co-Chair of the Emergency and Recovery Fund Committee, in a press release.
