Community Foundation and United Way announce grant opportunity in response to COVID-19 pandemic
Grants support the worldwide effort to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 infections in Rock Island and Scott Counties
The Quad Cities Community Foundation and United Way of the Quad Cities have come together—and partnered with other community leaders and funders in the region—to launch a Disaster Recovery Grant Program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partnership between these two nonprofits shows the strength and determination of the region to support vulnerable community members during the pandemic.
In the past six days, more than $435,000 has been contributed to the fund—with lead gifts from the Community Foundation, United Way of the Quad Cities as well as United Way Board Chair Linda Bower’s commitment to match up to $50,000 in donations, the Regional Development Authority, Ascentra Credit Union Foundation, Northwest Bank & Trust, and Russell Construction. You can donate to the fund right now by clicking here.
“We will be able to infuse much-needed dollars to support some of the most vulnerable in our community impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic,” said Sherry Ristau, president and CEO, “because generous people in our community have stepped forward to support this fund in big ways. We know the need exceeds what has currently been raised—and encourage other individuals, businesses and foundations to consider making a contribution to the fund right now.”
According to Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of United Way of the Quad Cities, collaboration is essential as we move the community forward.
“How we react in the face of this pandemic is critical, and it is clear that an all-for-one approach is going to make the biggest impact to increase resources available for the community’s disaster recovery fund,” said Gellerman. “Working together is the hallmark of United Way, and while we’re proud of the quick action that has already been taken, we know there’s a long road ahead. We plan to work tirelessly to support health and stability in Quad Cities.”
Gifts to the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund can be made online here or www.unitedwayqc.org, or by mailing a check to the Community Foundation at 852 Middle Road, Suite 100, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722.
Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, schools, or units of government that are located in or significantly serving Rock Island and Scott Counties. Grants will support efforts to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 infections in the region by helping the community follow public health recommendations and helping to address the financial impact of following those recommendations. No grants will replace funding from government tax dollars.
Full details, priorities and evaluation criteria are available online here.
Priority will be given to nonprofits, schools or units of government providing basic needs services not funded by tax dollars to communities that were already vulnerable before the pandemic, or that are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and the resulting health measures on finances and service availability. Priority with then be given to nonprofits, schools or units of government providing any services to the populations as described above, and nonprofits, schools or units of government experiencing challenges due to public health recommendations—particularly those implementing remote work or that are at high risk of staff reductions.
Grants can serve both individuals and businesses, though individuals and businesses cannot apply directly for the grants.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and because of the people who have come together to support the fund and create this grant opportunity, our organizations are well-positioned to grant dollars into the community quickly,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives who is also serving on Incident Command System established in response to COVID-19. “We believe it is critical to be flexible to respond as needed within the resources we have to offer. We have set no maximum grant amount to request, though ask applicants to frame their requests within a timeframe of what is need over the next eight weeks from the date of their application.”
The grant application is short and simple to lessen the burden on organizations during this unprecedented moment. The Quad Cities Community Foundation will administer the grants in partnership with members of the Disaster Ready Quad Cities Recovery Committee, United Way of the Quad Cities, Regional Development Authority and other community partners.
For full details and to apply, click here.