The Columbus Foundation has announced it is distributing $1,375,000 from its Gifts of Kindness Fund to 18 partner nonprofit organizations to help local residents in need.
The funding will help cover rent, mortgage, transportation and utility expenses for individuals and families who are still struggling economically from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gifts of Kindness Fund program has typically reviewed applications for nonprofit assistance on a case-by-case basis, however, as the Foundation has seen a sustained level of need, it chose to release large lump sums to organizations.
The Foundation started “pre-approving” applications for assistance in December, with $500,000 to IMPACT Community Action for eviction prevention purposes. This process efficiently assures organizations will already have the funds at their disposal and will not need to file on behalf of their clients.
“The ongoing economic challenges facing our community’s residents are daunting,” said Dan Sharpe, Vice President for Community Research and Grants Management. “We recognize the need for nimble and responsive grantmaking and feel this approach best serves the thousands of individuals and families who will receive this funding. These resources will play a pivotal bridge role, as 2020 CARES Act dollars have largely been spent, but the 2021 American Rescue Plan dollars have not yet been received by community organizations.”
Organizations will receive grants in large lump sums, ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.
Organizations receiving grants from the Gifts of Kindness Fund are:
- Center for Healthy Families
- Central Community House
- Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center
- Columbus Urban League
- Community Development for All People
- Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio
- Gladden Community House
- Goodwill Columbus
- Homeless Families Foundation
- Columbus Housing Partnership dba Homeport
- Huckleberry House
- LifeCare Alliance
- Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio
- Maryhaven
- OhioGuidestone
- OSU Extension, Franklin County (via University District Organization)
- Physicians Care Connection
- Star House
For more information on the Gifts of Kindness Fund, visit columbusfoundation.org/gifts-of-kindness.