FORT SMITH -- United Way of Fort Smith Area has opened Phase 2 of Covid-19 Community Response Fund Grants.
The organization is offering 10 $2,500 micro-grants to area nonprofits and faith-based organizations that are working with individuals and families fighting food insecurity, including meal sites, meals on wheels programs and nonperishable backpacks, to meet the food needs locally, a Wednesday news release states. Monday is the deadline to apply.
United Way recently received the Blue and You Foundation Grant to help fight hunger during this time, a news release says. Volunteer members of an advisory committee will work with United Way to quickly assess the needs and make swift funding decisions to ensure a thorough and efficient process. An organization that received a grant in the first round of funding is eligible to apply for this round, as well.
United Way of Fort Smith Area awarded seven grants totaling $7,000 to local nonprofit organizations during the first phase of the Covid-19 Community Response Fund Grants. These micro-grants, which ranged up to $1,000, were for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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They included the following agencies:
• Antioch Consolidated Association for Youth and Family.
• Community Rescue Mission.
• Crawford County Senior Citizens Center.
• Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House.
• Girls Inc.
• River Valley Regional Food Bank.
• Sebastian Retired Citizens Association.
United Way convened a group of philanthropic and business partners to form the Covid-19 Community Response Fund to address the health and economic impact on its neighbors. It's aim is to rapidly deploy resources to local agencies and organizations, getting money to where it is needed most.
The fund will assist agencies and organizations in providing individuals and families who have been affected by the pandemic the assistance necessary to stay in their homes and keep food on the table.
There are several ways in which someone can donate to the fund. as well. A person can text "response" to 91999, go online to unitedwayfortsmith.org or mail a check to United Way of Fort Smith Area at 120 N. 13th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901.
State Desk on 05/01/2020