$600,000 Available for Phase 2 Funding

On May 19, the Chautauqua County Crisis Response Fund Decision Committee announced it will now begin transitioning into the second phase of funding, which will support nonprofits that have suffered severe financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. The committee also announced the availability of Open Safe Micro-Grants. A minimum of $600,000 is available for Phase 2.

 

“We realize the pandemic only continues to present extraordinary challenges for our community and nonprofits across our region,” said Vince Horrigan, Decision Committee chair. “Organizations are faced with a multitude of challenges from loss of revenue, reduction in government grants and contracts to an increased demand for services.”

 

To date, more than $243,000 has been awarded during the first phase of funding which focused on granting dollars to help meet immediate, emergency and basic human needs in our community, such as food security, health and safety and access to essential services for vulnerable populations.

 

The Crisis Response Fund remains committed to meeting the changing needs of the nonprofit sector and will continue to accept and rapidly award Phase 1 funds, in addition to awarding Phase 2 funds as needed.

This week, Governor Cuomo announced that Western New York has met all of its requirements to re-open. In order to help nonprofits safely re-open, the Crisis Response Fund will also begin accepting Open Safe Micro-Grants, up to $500, to purchase necessary materials and supplies.

 

To help nonprofits navigate how to apply for funding through the Crisis Response Fund, the Chautauqua County United Ways and Community Foundations are hosting a webinar Wednesday at 1 p.m. More information, as well as a link to register, can be found at chautauquagrants.org/chautauqua-county-crisis-response-fund.

 

Since March 23, the Crisis Response Fund has raised more than $910,775.00 of its $1 million goal from individuals, community organizations, local businesses and foundations. To make a donation, visit uwayscc.org.