The United Way of St. Joseph County (UWSJC) has established the COVID-19 Response Fund for St. Joseph County to meet the short term, immediate needs, of individuals and families that will be impacted by COVID-19 as well as the long term impacts that have yet to be seen.

UWSJC recognizes the potential for economic impact, unpaid absence, illness, or job loss related directly or indirectly to the virus, increased child care needs due to school and child care closures, and the potential risk of not being able to pay housing, utility and food bills due to financial strains.

Organizations that serve populations in need every day will find themselves under-resourced to serve a growing demand for those services. Keeping a strong network of engaged providers will be critical to the health of our community services. This fund may also support the capacity building and/or operational needs that may arise as the situation unfolds.

United Way will look to a broad network of direct service organizations, as well as Indiana 211 to identify critical needs and resource gaps. Given the evolving nature of this situation, the fund will be designed to be flexible and to get resources to organizations with minimal bureaucracy and the appropriate sense of urgency. 501c3 Organizations in St. Joseph County, IN will be eligible to apply.

Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases.

UWSJC is underwriting administrative costs associated with this fund to fully direct 100% of proceeds to address the community’s needs.

FAQ

I’M AN INDIVIDUAL WHO’S BEEN AFFECTED BY COVID-19. CAN THIS FUND HELP ME?

We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. We are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts.

While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we begin to award grants, we will post them on our website and social media platforms.  If you are looking for resources now, please contact Indiana 211. This service is available by dialing 211. This service is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Indiana 211 is a collaborative effort of the United Ways of Indiana and the IN211 Partnership.

MY ORGANIZATION IS INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR GRANT RESOURCES FROM THIS FUND. CAN WE BE CONSIDERED?

We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. We are working to ensure that the grants awarded meet the most urgent needs in our community. In order to move resources quickly, we have a streamlined application process for the Fund. You may complete this simple form to make sure we are aware of your needs as the granting process and community-wide needs become clearer.

COVID-19 Response Fund Application

The United Way of St. Joseph County (UWSJC) has established the COVID-19 Response Fund for St. Joseph County to meet the short term, immediate needs, of individuals and families that will be impacted by COVID-19 as well as the long term impacts that have yet to be seen.

UWSJC recognizes the potential for economic impact, unpaid absence, illness, or job loss related directly or indirectly to the virus, increased child care needs due to school and child care closures, and the potential risk of not being able to pay housing, utility and food bills due to financial strains.

Organizations that serve populations in need every day will find themselves under-resourced to serve a growing demand for those services. Keeping a strong network of engaged providers will be critical to the health of our community services. This fund may also support the capacity building and/or operational needs that may arise as the situation unfolds.

Based upon the charitable structure of the COVID-19 Response Fund, our grants are limited to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools, faith-based organizations, and other public entities. We are not able to fund individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or other 501c4, 501c5, and 501c6 organizations who are located in St. Joseph County, IN.

The first phase of the application process is to fill out the application below.