Fund is accepting donations from public and will distribute grants to nonprofits providing front-line services to the counties’ most vulnerable populations.

MONTGOMERY, NY (March 18, 2020) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is launching the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund to address immediate and longer-term needs of residents in Orange and Sullivan counties. This fund will distribute grants of up to $5 thousand each to established nonprofit organizations that provide front-line services to the counties’ most vulnerable populations – food for needy families and essentials, such as prescription drug deliveries to homebound senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems.

“The Community of Orange and Sullivan is committed to supporting area nonprofit organizations and residents in need during this time of heightened uncertainty,” said CFOS President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley. “We are honored to provide our generous community members with a way to help their neighbors through this health crisis.”

The Kaplan Family Private Foundations, The Gerry Foundation, Rowley Family Foundation, Frommer & Spagnoli Families, RJ Smith & Family, Dominic & Amy Cordisco, and Barbara Martinsons provided initial funding for the fund, contributing $185 thousand collectively so as not to delay response. 

“We are grateful to the generous individuals and foundations that stepped up without hesitation to respond to the immediate needs in our community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rowley. “During this unprecedented health crisis, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan seeks to quickly respond to ensure that our valuable community-based organizations are able to do everything they can to ensure people are fed and safe.”

Donations at any level are currently being accepted at www.cfosny.org. 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 www.cfosny.org.

“We ask that those that are inspired to help consider making a donation to this effort that is personally meaningful to you to help our neighbors and community members now and in the weeks ahead,” added Rowley.

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.

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 more than $34 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.