In March 2020, a coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners joined together to create a centralized funding pool that rapidly deployed flexible resources to community-based organizations disproportionally impacted by COVID-19, addressed the economic consequences of the pandemic, assisted community and organizational recovery, and provided a funding structure future community emergencies.
The fund was administered by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County on behalf of partners including the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation and United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.
Over $1 million was raised from individuals, community organizations and local foundations, and was granted directly back out to organizations in our community between the months of April to September 2020.
- Phase One funding focused on immediate basic human needs, health and safety, food security, childcare, and helping vulnerable populations access essential resources.
- Phase Two funding focused nonprofit stabilization by providing general operating grants for organizations that either lost revenue due to COVID-19 or experienced an increased demand for their services during this time.
- Open-Safe Micro-Grants helped nonprofits prepare to reopen and adapt services as needed to meet required and recommended health and safety guidelines. This included the purchase of PPE, cleaning, disinfectant and sanitation supplies, hygiene or supplies for health screenings, materials for re-configuring spaces or other employee, client or visitor safety supplies.
In addition to the hosted funding phases, the local Crisis Response Fund helped distribute responsive micro-grants from the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund, BCBS of WNY Blue Fund and Fidelis Care to dozens of organizations in the community to address food security, health and well-being, mental health, housing needs and flexible funding for emergency needs. In September 2020, funding was made available for each of the 18 school districts in the county to help address supports needed for students and families returning to school.
View a full list of Grantees HERE
The United Ways and Community Foundations of Chautauqua County worked with direct service organizations and government agencies to identify critical needs and resource gaps and the best approach to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. The goal of funding was to ensure these funds are flexible enough to be used effectively, while achieving the highest degree of impact, transparency and accountability. Awards complement the work of government and expanded local capacity to address all aspects of the pandemic as efficiently as possible
The United Ways and Community Foundations of Chautauqua County worked with direct service organizations and government agencies to identify critical needs and resource gaps and the best approach to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. The goal of funding was to ensure these funds are flexible enough to be used effectively, while achieving the highest degree of impact, transparency and accountability. Awards complement the work of government and expanded local capacity to address all aspects of the pandemic as efficiently as possible.
View more information about the Chautauqua County Crisis Response Fund here.