While we are all dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of our neighbors face disproportionate challenges due to unexpected time off from work, unplanned child or health care expenses, and lack of access to adequate food and shelter. A coalition of community partners is banding together to give support to those who need it most.
The Central New York Community Foundation, in partnership with United Way of Central New York, Allyn Foundation, The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County established a COVID-19 Community Support Fund to support nonprofit organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund is designed to rapidly deploy flexible resources in the form of one-time operating grants on a rolling basis to nonprofits whose operations support vulnerable populations stressed by the outbreak. The Community Foundation will seed the fund with a contribution from its own funds and encourages individuals, institutions, companies and other funders to donate as well.
The Community Foundation will administer grants from the fund in partnership with United Way of Central New York, the Allyn Foundation, and in close collaboration with the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Together they will identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on immediate needs from community advisors and recommend final awards. Funds 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.
Donations may be made by contacting Thomas Griffith, vice president, development at (315) 422-9538 or tgriffith@cnycf.org.
Eligibility criteria and the application process for nonprofits requesting funding are still under development. Organizations can visit cnycf.org/covid19grants for more information.
Other Ways to Help
- As many nonprofit organizations in our community suffer from loss of attendance, canceled fundraising events, and stretched resources, consider giving to those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community.
- Find volunteer opportunities to assist with the COVID-19 situation. Onondaga County opportunities can be found at www.volunteercny.org. If you do not have access to email, please call 315-428-2229.
