Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) announced today that its Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund (the fund) has awarded the first round of grants, totaling $317,000, to 35 nonprofits on the front lines of the COVID-19 health crisis and serving the most vulnerable populations in our region.

“This first phase of funding supports basic needs organizations like elder services, health centers, and food pantries that are seeing a sudden and significant increase in needs,” said Beth Francis, ECCF President, and CEO. “With the steady rise in unemployment, these organizations are being asked to do more than ever, without the funding they need to do it.”

The fund, established just one week ago, is rapidly raising and deploying financial resources in phases according to the evolving nature of this health crisis. ECCF continues to assess the changing needs in the nonprofit sector and will adapt its strategy for future phases of funding as necessary.

“We recognize that this crisis and our communities’ needs are changing very quickly,” said Francis. “We are paying close attention to what our nonprofits are seeing and saying so that each phase of funding can have the biggest impact possible.”

Fundraising for the Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund is ongoing, and donations can be made online HERE. The Foundation encourages donors of all shapes and sizes to contribute to this countywide, collaborative effort to support our nonprofits, many of which are at a true tipping point with no end in sight.

“We are in this for the long haul,” said Francis. “And ECCF is committed to supporting our nonprofits today, and over the course of what is sure to be a very long recovery. An effort like this will require all of us to come together, and I encourage everyone to give in whatever way you can.”

You can learn more about the Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund HERE.

You can donate to the Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund HERE.