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CINCINNATI - In March, WCPO reported that The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati teamed up with other Tri-State funders to launch the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund.
In just three weeks, that fund has donated out more than $2.5 million to Tri-State nonprofit organizations to provide support to families and individuals feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Funds are being deployed to community-based organizations to support families and neighborhoods in need.
Money has gone to provide housing for single mothers through Bethany House, care packages and food for Brighton Center customers as well as families supported by Dearborn County Clearinghouse.
“Thank you to the entire community, specifically to our generous donors. This region has stepped up in a big way,” said Ellen M. Katz, President/CEO of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. “We are talking to those directly affected by the coronavirus to understand the region’s greatest needs and know there is still much work to be done. Now is the time. Together we are stronger.”
The fund was able to distribute money quickly due to early contributions from several funding partners including the Charles H. Dater Foundation, Deaconess Associates Foundation, Fifth Third Foundation, First Financial Bank, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee, Scripps Howard Foundation and Western & Southern Financial Group.
“$2.5 million is a milestone, but it is not an end,” said Moira Weir, President/CEO of United Way. “I appreciate that we were able to provide relief quickly because we know people are so vulnerable right now. I also pledge we will continue to assess needs and ensure additional funding is distributed to the organizations and programs leading us through the relief and recovery process.”
As a way to inspire the community to help, an anonymous donor is providing a 1:1 donation match up to $250,000 for credit card and check donations.
To learn more about the fund, or to make a donation, visit their website.
