Hoss Covid Q6
COVID-19 has burdened our nonprofit sector and the vulnerable populations it serves in ways previously unimaginable. To respond, philanthropic organizations must act with strategy and urgency to support local nonprofit organizations and communities hit hardest. Last week, OCCF, St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund, Orange County Grantmakers and Charitable Ventures launched a collaborative response—the OC Community Resilience Fund—to do just that.
The Fund will award grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to local nonprofits that support our county’s most vulnerable residents, specifically focusing on community clinic operations, emergency grants to impacted individuals, and support for community-based organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Given the scope of this unprecedented need, this collaborative grantmaking and action is essential. The OC Community Resilience Fund allows us to focus resources, reduce duplicative efforts, and share infrastructure. It allows us to support innovative responses and maximize impact in areas of greatest need. Together, we can effectively triage needs, respond to emergency requests, maintain open lines of communication between funders and organizations, and build a plan to provide longer-term support.
The Fund also fills gaps not covered by state or federal efforts, like this week’s stimulus package. This influx of funding will spur the overall economy and promises support to individuals on a limited basis, but philanthropy still has a role to play in providing relief to front-line nonprofits, such as community clinics, food banks, homeless providers reeling from the demands of social distancing, and more. These organizations have already stepped up far beyond their capacity and will continue to face significant need that won’t diminish in the foreseeable future.
Right now, philanthropic organizations must work together—because when we leverage efforts, communicate needs, and stay flexible in an ever-changing environment, we can keep our community strong. We invite you to join this collaborative force. Visit https://charitableventuresoc.org/resiliencefund/.
