Grant requests continue to pour in, and donations are being accepted to address escalating needs.
MONTGOMERY, NY (March 27, 2020) – Just nine days after the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) launched the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund, it’s distributing its first round of grants. Grants totaling $61,800 were distributed today to 16 nonprofit organization to address immediate and longer-term needs of residents in Orange and Sullivan counties.
Nonprofit organizations that received grants include:
- Newburgh Armory Unity Center
- Paul’s United Methodist Church
- Shepherd’s Kitchen
- Sacred Heart Parish Outreach
- Rural & Migrant Ministry
- Country Kids Food Pantry
- Food for Kids
- RECAP
- Jewish Family Services of Orange County
- Food Bank of the Hudson Valley
- First Reformed Church of Walden
- Community Action
- Salvation Army
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County
- San Miguel Academy of Newburgh
- Hudson Valley Basket Brigade
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 needy families and essentials, such as prescription drug deliveries to homebound senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems.
The Gerry Foundation, Rowley Family Foundation, Ralph E. Ogden Foundation, Frommer & Spagnoli Families, RJ Smith & Family, Dominic & Amy Cordisco, Barbara Martinsons, Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan and an anonymous donor provided initial funding for the fund, contributing $250,000 collectively so as not to delay response.
Since its inception, the fund has raised nearly $300,000. Grant requests are coming in daily, and CFOS is looking to the public for donations to meet escalating needs in both counties.
“We are grateful to those who have already contributed generously and ask that those that are inspired to help consider making a donation to this effort to help our neighbors and community members now and in the weeks ahead,” said Elizabeth Rowley, CFOS President and CEO. “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.
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.
