United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation announced today that they have now granted over half a million dollars of relief funding from the Wabash Valley COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.

This week, the fund allocated an additional $31,500; bringing the total community investment from the Emergency Relief Fund to $514,899. The latest grant allocations will fund 8 organizations focused on providing the most basic and critical needs to Wabash Valley residents impacted by COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has resulted in alarming economic consequences for local individuals and families, many of whom were already living paycheck to paycheck,” stated Richard Payonk, United Way of the Wabash Valley Executive Director.  He continued by stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on our community. We are thankful for our generous donors and our partnership with the Wabash Valley Community Foundation that allows us to help these critical populations and so many others who are in need.”  Since the fund started in late March, it has funded 109 grant requests for over 80 separate organizations in Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and in Clark County, Illinois.

Organizations receiving an award from the fund in this latest round of funding:

• $5,000 for Brazil First United Methodist Church – purchase food and supplies for increased need
• $5,000 for Camp Navigate – to provide financial assistance to families who participate in camp but have been impacted financially by COVID
• $5,000 for Clay County Council on Aged and Aging – operations for food pantry
• $2,000 for Montezuma Christian Church – Grab and Go Meals that were purchased and distributed
• $5,000 Marshall Area Youth Network – purchase of food and stem sets to continue to serve students during the July month of Food and Fun Summer Program
• $5,000 for Mosaic – PPE, Cleaning Supplies, and Critical Staffing Needs
• $2,000 for Providence Food Pantry of West Terre Haute – Walk-in Freezer for additional food storage for increased need
• $5,000 for Temple Preschool –Touchless faucets in preschool classroom restrooms, hands-free sanitizer stations, infrared thermometers, disinfectant and cleaning supplies and scholarships for families impacted by pandemic

The Covid-19 steering team has moved to biweekly reviews of applications and funds still remain for continued disbursements. Organizations that have already received an award can apply two weeks after their last disbursement.  Those organizations wanting to apply can request up to a maximum of $5,000. Updated eligibility and application guidelines for the grants are available at uwwv.org/covid.