Community Foundation, United Way create COVID-19 Response and Recovery fund

The United Way and the Community Foundation announced the creation of the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to provide funding to local nonprofits that support people and organizations affected by the pandemic.

The fund will start with $675,000: The Peyton Anderson Foundation donated half a million dollars; The United Way, Community Foundation and the Griffith Foundation have each pledged $50,000; and an anonymous donor donated $25,000.

Organizers will use the fund to assist local organizations that are struggling due to canceled events and fundraisers, President and CEO of the United Way of Central Georgia George McCanless said.

“We are dealing with the ever increasing spread of COVID-19 throughout Central Georgia. The need of those that need help continues to grow as well,” he said. “The goal here is for us to be able to collectively raise and provide essential funds and resources to these front line agencies.”

Organizers will look at eight key areas: food insecurity, childcare, health, shelter, workforce & small business, seniors, arts & culture and animal welfare. The hope is to facilitate communication between local partners to help address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Middle Georgia.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CFCG is honored to partner with United Way to create a funding source that will work specifically to provide area nonprofits with critical financial resources so that those nonprofits can perform their important work on the frontline of response to community needs,” Kathryn Dennis, Community Foundation of Central Georgia president, said.

The Community Foundation and United Way will award grants from the COVID-19 fund with the help of a volunteer committee that the organizations will appoint. Donations to the fund can be made to either of the two organizations. The grants will go to nonprofit organizations throughout the crisis as needs arise.

In addition to the announcement of the fund, the press conference also featured a pair of leaders from the Red Cross and Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, who spoke about their current need for volunteers and donors.

The Middle Georgia Community Food Bank is in the process of helping those in areas where resources may be scarce. There are 175 food pantries in the area and the food bank hopes to set up some emergency food pantries.

The Red Cross is in need of all types of blood at this time. There have been more than 6,000 blood drives canceled across the country, which has led to a severe blood shortage.

Those who are in need are asked to dial 2-1-1 or visit the website here. There is also a texting option at 898-211 with your zip code and the word “need.” They will help connect people with local organizations for various needs, such as food.

Those interested in donating to the fund can visit www.unitedwaycg.org/covid19. Organizers will also accept checks, which can be made payable to United Way of Central Georgia, PO Box 1302, Macon, GA 31202 with “COVID-19” in the subject line.

This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 7:00 AM.