COVID-19 Community Response Fund Phase 2 opens for nonprofits needing funding

MARQUETTE – As a continued commitment to assist non-profits in Marquette County during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation of Marquette County and United Way of Marquette County invite non-profit organizations to submit applications for phase two of the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

Several surveys have reported a decrease in earned revenue in 2020 with the cancelation of fundraising events and public programs, while reporting an increase in need for services. Phase two aims to provide flexibility for nonprofits to address internal organizational needs. Applications will be accepted until 5pm on December 31, with grant awards announced in February 2021. Applications can be found online: www.cfofmc.org.

The COVID-19 Community Response Fund was established by the Community Foundation and United Way of Marquette County in March 2020. With the generosity of several individual and corporate donors, the fund has raised over $150,000. Phase one of the fund closed in November after awarding over 55 grants totaling over $80,000.  Phase one supported requests from nonprofits and charitable causes with immediate basic needs that would allow these organizations to continue delivering services safely. Applications were reviewed bi-weekly by a committee of community leaders to support a range of requests, from PPE and sanitizing equipment to technology upgrades that allowed essential workers and the most vulnerable populations of our community to be safely connected during this unprecedented time.

While phase one is considered closed, nonprofits in need of emergency funding for immediate or basic supplies or other needs can contact the Community Foundation directly.