Fund provides flexible resources to nonprofit programs
(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) is proud to announce an initial allocation of $33,476.89 awarded to four nonprofit agencies that applied for funding from the COVID19 Action Fund.
The fund was established to provide flexible resources to nonprofit programs in Rock County and northern Winnebago County that are directly supporting local, vulnerable residents and families. While the fund is not available to individuals, it will support local nonprofit organizations that are well experienced providing health and human services.
To not further burden organizations providing vital services amid the pandemic, UWBR has implemented a streamlined application process. UWBR’s volunteer-driven Community Impact Council is overseeing all requests for funding to ensure allocations are made to financially responsible programs, which will be required to report on results of the funding.
This first wave of grants has been awarded to the following:
- $15,529.89 to HealthNet of Rock County to cover partial costs for medications, labs, technical support for the medical staff and clinic and increased janitorial services.
- $9,867 to the Micah Project to sustain its mission to help women bridge the gap between treatment and community living.
- $5,000 to Janesville Community Day Care Center to ensure that families demonstrating a documented need can meet the minimum holding fee and keep their child’s place at the center.
- $3,080 to the YWCA Rock County to support YWCA’s continuation of critical services to women and children during this time of potential, heightened occurrences of family violence.
COVID-19 Action Fund grants will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in our region.
“United Way Blackhawk Region’s Community Impact Council will continue its ongoing review of COVID-19 Action Fund applications,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “Future grant allocations will be announced as determinations are made.”
Fanning-Penny added the COVID-19 Action Fund, seeded by $100,000 from United Way Blackhawk Region reserves, has now risen to more than $195,200.
“To date we have received donations of all sizes to the Action Fund from more than 110 donors,” said Fanning-Penny. “We are deeply grateful to the community-minded individuals and corporations who have chosen this meaningful way to help during this crisis.”
The following corporate donations have been made to the COVID-19 Action Fund:
- Alliant Energy – $10,000
- Data Dimensions – $10,000
- First National Bank & Trust – $10,000
- Festival Foods – $6,000
- Schnucks – $3,000
- Associated Bank – $2,500
- State Bank of Cross Plains – $2,500
- Janesville Brick & Tile – $500
- Century 21 Affiliated – $200
There is still time to make a donation to the COVID-19 Action Fund. Anyone interested in making a gift of any size can visit LiveUnitedBR.org/COVID-19 or text “GiveCovid” to 41444.
Checks made payable to United Way Blackhawk Region’s Action Fund may also be mailed to PO Box 2780, Janesville, WI 53547-2780.
