In a coordinated response to community needs, United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation distributed another 22 grants from the recently formed COVID-19 Relief Fund to local organizations totaling $96,810. The funds will be used to assist organizations helping individuals and families with immediate COVID-19 related needs in Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion counties in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois.
The second round grant recipients include:
- $3,000 for Annunciation St. Vincent de Paul Society in Clay County – increased need for food pantry
- $5,000 for Brown Bagger School Food Program in Sullivan County– increased need for food
- $5,000 for CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center – sustain operational expenses during closure
- $5,000 for Children’s Bureau, Inc. – increased need in rent, utility and other basic needs assistance for families
- $5,000 for Clay County YMCA – increased need for food distribution program
- $2,880 for FSA Counseling, Inc. – provide equipment for telehealth needs
- $2,000 for Manna from Seven, Inc. – increased need for food
- $5,000 for Meals on Wheels – increased need for food delivery service
- $5,000 for Next Step Foundation – scholarships for 10 residents to sustain the residential treatment services
- $5,000 for Reach Services – utility assistance for Rapid Rehousing Program and Independent Living Program
- $3,000 for Samaritan Food Pantry – St. Joseph University Parish – increased need for food pantry
- $5,000 for Salvaged Lives Life Center – sustain residential sober living/life center facility
- $3,600 for St. Benedict Soup Kitchen – cover added expenses to distribute meals to go
- $5,000 for Sullivan County Humane Society – sustain operations of facility
- $4,830 for The Avenues, Inc. – sustain residential recovery program
- $5,000 for Terre Haute Boys and Girls Club – sustain operational expenses during closure
- $5,000 for Terre Haute Humane Society – sustain operational expenses during closure to the public
- $5,000 for Valley Professional Community Health Center – provide equipment for telehealth needs and personal protective equipment
- $5,000 for Wabash Valley Family Sports Center – sustain operational expenses during closing
- $5,000 for Wabash Valley Teen Challenge – sustain residential program
- $5,000 for West Side Christian Church – increased demand for food and supplies
“The Wabash Valley is truly working together to provide support to our community members who are struggling,” explained Beth Tevlin, Executive Director of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. “We are happy to be able to provide some much-needed support to those organizations so they can continue to meet the increasing demands.”
All requests are prioritized and funded based upon up-to-date community needs assessments. United Way has hosted virtual “Listening Sessions” on Friday afternoons with 30-40 community partners, including some government and health officials. They will be continuing these sessions to ensure the Relief Fund is investing in the greatest needs.
Each organization may apply for a maximum of $5,000 and reapply for additional funds two weeks after they receive fund disbursement. Organizations are asked to demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has created the financial need for which they are seeking this relief funding. The requests will be reviewed and disbursements made weekly after approval by a Grant Steering Committee selected and approved by United Way of the Wabash Valley and Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Committee membership includes seven (7) community volunteers and staff from both organizations experienced in fund allocation and grant management.
Those organizations wanting to apply can request funds through a simple process available at uwwv.org/covid. The application should be less than one page, and emailed to [email protected] upon completion.
“This will be a long road to recovery for our community and we will be here to aid in that recovery,” explained Richard Payonk, the Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley. “Each week our community is facing new challenges and we encourage organizations to review the fund and see if there is a way we can help.”
Initially funded by both organizations, the fund has grown to more than $215,000 and has now efficiently distributed over $135,000 to organizations. “As we know the need will continue, we remain hopeful for increased community support from local corporations and individuals across the Wabash Valley in order to sustain the fund,” Payonk said. Community donations up to $100,000 will be matched in cooperation from the United Way and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation with $42,000 of matching funds still available. If community members are interested in donating to the fund, please visit uwwv.org/covid or wvcf.org/covid. All money that is donated will remain in the Wabash Valley and can be designated to specific-county use. No administrative fees will be charged, so 100% of the donations will flow into our local community in the form of future grant disbursements. Corporate partners and foundations seeking to be partners in the fund can reach out to Danielle Isbell at [email protected] or Beth Tevlin at [email protected].
For more information on the fund specifics, size, awards, and how to apply visit the website uwwv.org/covid.
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United Way of the Wabash Valley is an organization looking to go beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change in our communities throughout our six-county region. By bringing together volunteers, companies, and organizations focused on innovative solutions, we impact thousands of lives every year right here in the Wabash Valley. Our new bold goal is to move 10,000 local families out of financial struggles. For more information, please visit, www.uwwv.org.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people in the Wabash Valley. The Community Foundation enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the organizations and issues they care about – immediately or through their estate plans. Donors may give to existing funds or establish a charitable fund at the Community Foundation by contributing a variety of assets. For more information on the Community Foundation, please contact 812.232.2234 or visit www.wvcf.org.
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