MONTGOMERY, NY (June 3, 2020) – While the infection rate may be decreasing, the financial distress caused by the COVID-19 virus remains high, especially among already vulnerable populations. It’s been eleven weeks since the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) launched the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund, and both donations and grant requests continue to roll in.
Since its inception, the fund has generated overwhelming support from local individuals, corporations and foundations and raised $528,354. Grant requests are coming in daily, and CFOS continues to look to the public for donations to meet escalating needs in both counties.
“The grant requests haven’t slowed down and with the combination of more adults being out of work and children not receiving services or nutrition in school, there’s a greater need for area nonprofits to fill those gaps,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS President and CEO. “We hope that those who can will continue to give to help the most vulnerable get through this crisis.”
Since its inception, the fund has distributed grants totaling $396,676 to 74 local nonprofit organizations to address immediate and longer-term needs of residents in Orange and Sullivan counties hardest hit by the pandemic. The Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund distributes grants of up to $5 thousand each to established nonprofit organizations that provide front-line services to the counties’ most vulnerable populations – food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, protective personal equipment for healthcare workers, online access to education for students, diapers and formula for babies, telehealth for the elderly and those with special needs and even supplies for animal shelters.
Rural & Migrant Ministry was among the nonprofits to be awarded a grant to support their response efforts. Because of the grant, the nonprofit has been able to provide emergency help for food, monetary assistance for household expenses, and more.
“This time is particularly stressful for immigrant families. Our program participants depend on the support they would normally receive at school – tutoring and after school academic help, food programs, and access to technology,” said Rural & Migrant Ministry. “Our programs continue to meet virtually on a regular basis; homework help and academic tutoring is available. All this is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund.”
Church at the Bridge is serving a dual purpose with their grant by feeding the hungry with food from local restaurants that are struggling.
“Since the inception of our Giving Wednesdays Initiative, we have fed over 400 people and have helped support a total of 14 local businesses in the restaurant industry,” said Church at the Bridge Lead Pastor Jose Vasquez. “The generosity of donors to the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund have enabled us to support our local economy while making a difference in the lives of so many during these trying times.”
Donations at any level are currently being accepted. 100% of donations to the fund will stay here in Orange and Sullivan counties. Nonprofit organizations providing response services to Orange and Sullivan residents during this pandemic are encouraged to apply for grants at. This information and a list of grantees can be found at www.cfosny.org/covid-19-response-fund/. A full list of donors can be found at www.cfosny.org/covid-19-response-donors/.
The impacts of the novel coronavirus are uncertain and continue to mount. Through consultation with its community partners, CFOS will continue to gather information about how to effectively provide immediate support, with the understanding that the impacts may be long-lasting and recovery for many will be a difficult process.
Photos:
(From left to right) Deacon Leon Priester from Church at the Bridge and Wilson Duarte, Owner of Primo’s Diner & Restaurant
Bags of food instead of children now line the hallway at Round Hill Elementary School. Back in March, Food For Kids packed bags for 150 children in the Washingtonville School District each week. Last week, they packed 315 bags.
About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS): Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region. Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 322 active charitable funds that represent nearly $30 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation and youth. To learn more, visit cfosny.org.
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The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan enables charitable individuals and organizations to become meaningful donors by providing trusted support and expertise for their contributions to make a difference in our community, now and forever.
www.CFOSNY.org
