In each of the last four weeks, United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation have continued to issue short-term emergency relief grants from the Wabash Valley COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. In this latest round, seven grants were disbursed to local organizations totaling more than $33,000.  The funds will be used to not only assist service provider organizations who are helping individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also support the infrastructure of important non-profits during the economic downturn.

Fourth Round recipients include:

• $5,000 for Brazil First United Methodist Church, Food Pantry – increase in need for food
• $5,000 for Camp Navigate – offset operational cost during closing
• $5,000 for Youth for Christ of the Wabash Valley – help cover operational cost while aiding in food distribution
• $3,900 for Friendship House – cover rent for residents who cannot afford due to current employment status; cleaning and household supplies for residents
• $5,000 for Clay County Humane Society – increase demand to care for animals
• $5,000 for Team of Mercy – increased mental health needs and volume of clients
• $5,000 for West Vigo Community Center – offset operational cost while they are prepping and serving meals to the community without income from sport/center related activity income

The fund has now issued more than $204,000 to 45 organizations in the last four weeks.  In an effort to maintain transparency with the public, information on donations and every grant awarded can be found at www.uwwv.org/covid.  Both organizations report that grants will continue to be awarded on a weekly basis.

Earlier this week, United Way announced it has received a $1.1 million grant that will continue to support this fund and these short-term grants, but will also allow for a second tier of larger targeted grants.  The organization will be announcing more information on these opportunities within the next two weeks.

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 county-specific use.  No administrative fees will be charged, so 100% of the donations will flow into our local communities 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].

Those organizations wanting to apply can request up to a maximum of $5,000 through a simple process available at uwwv.org/covid.  The application should be less than one page and should demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic has created the financial need for which they are seeking this relief funding.  Applications should be emailed to [email protected] upon completion.