Foundations launch Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
A coalition of charitable, business and government partners has joined together to create the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the needs of the Kansas City region's most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, United Way of Greater Kansas City, LISC Greater Kansas City (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) are co-leading the coalition. The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is housing the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which will collect donations to make grants to nonprofit organizations that have experience supporting impacted communities – particularly those that are disproportionately affected by this global pandemic and its economic consequences.
The coalition is forming a community advisory board made up of foundation and civic leaders and community representatives who will oversee the Fund. These individuals have both an understanding of the community's needs and the charitable organizations that work to serve those needs and will work together to assess potential grant recipients.
The Fund expects to deploy an initial round of grants as soon as possible to support operations and services with a focus on critical needs, including, but not limited to
Housing support (rent, mortgage, utilities)
Food insecurity
Access to health care
Other critical human services
The Fund will support charitable organizations to both maintain their operations and services and increase their capacity to serve those impacted by COVID-19, including addressing the economic impacts on individuals and their families due to job interruption and reduction in income and benefits.
Additional grants will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues and needs are identified through outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis.
How You Can Help Us Meet the $5 Million Challenge
Individuals who are interested in giving to the Fund can donate online here.
Community Foundation donors can use their donor-advised funds to make grants to the Fund by logging in and suggesting grants to the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, noting in the purpose field, “KC COVID-19 Fund.”
Institutional funders who would like to join the effort can contact Denise St. Omer, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation at stomer@growyourgiving.org.
FAQs
I’m an individual who is affected by COVID-19. Can the Fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been affected and more will continue to be impacted. The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will provide resources to nonprofit organizations that have experience supporting vulnerable communities across the Kansas City Region.
While the fund is not able to provide direct grants to individuals, it will support local nonprofit organizations that provide direct services and support. If you need resources now, please contact United Way 211 by dialing 211 to reach trained, caring professionals seven days a week, 24 hours a day, or visit 211kc.org.
My organization is interested in grant funding. How can we be considered?
We understand nonprofit organizations are facing increased demand for services, lost revenue and many other unprecedented challenges. We are working closely with local government, health agencies and community partners to identify regional needs and will provide grant dollars to address the most critical needs. In order to move resources quickly, we are not hosting a formal application process at this time. Please complete this form to make sure we are aware of your needs as the granting process progresses.
Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund?
The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will prioritize community-based organizations serving the greater Kansas City region. This includes the following counties in Kansas: Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Wyandotte. And the following counties in Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte, Ray.
When will you share who you fund?
The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund anticipates making a first round of investments in the coming weeks. We will publish the list of selected grantees on this page.
What is the best way to donate to help those impacted by COVID-19?
The Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund is focused on deploying targeted charitable resources where community needs are the highest. However, this is not the only vehicle in the region to do so. This is a critical time for countless individuals and organizations. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support and those that need your help at this crucial time. Read more best practices for giving in response to COVID-19.
I'm interested in helping other communities across the country. Are there similar efforts elsewhere that I can support?
Community foundations across the country have created funds to support those affected. Read more about community foundation-led efforts around COVID-19.
Questions? Who to Contact:
Individuals Who Want to Donate
Institutional Funders Who Want to Participate
Contact Denise St. Omer, Greater Kansas City Community Foundation at stomer@growyourgiving.org.
Nonprofits in Need
Individuals in Need
Contact United Way 211 by dialing 211 to reach trained, caring professionals seven days a week, 24 hours a day, or visit 211kc.org.