SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln and United Way of Central Illinois announce Central Illinois Foodbank as the initial grant recipient of the COVID-19 Response Fund. The grant, totaling $30,000, will be used to purchase non-perishable foods for an increasing number of Springfield-area families and individuals facing food insecurity.
“This grant from the COVID-19 Response Fund will provide critical support at a time of great need in our community,” said Central Illinois Foodbank Executive Director Pam Molitoris. “Our partners are reporting steady increases in the need for food assistance, and we anticipate that the need will accelerate as individuals are required to shelter in place.”
Food products distributed by the Foodbank will assist numerous organizations, including Catholic Charities, Senior Services of Central Illinois, Kumler Outreach Neighborhood Ministries, Compass for Kids, Salvation Army, 7th Day Adventist-490 Outreach, St. Martin De Porres Center, and Real Life Church.
“We are moved by the generosity of donors who are stepping up to help their most vulnerable neighbors,” said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. “During this time of great need, we encourage donors to give what they can to the COVID-19 Response Fund or to organizations they regularly support that help improve the strength and wellbeing of our community.”
So far, donors have contributed more than $120,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund, including $50,000 in seed funding from the Community Foundation and United Way.
Local nonprofits serving individuals and families affected by the coronavirus outbreak are encouraged to apply for COVID-19 Response Fund grants by completing the online application at www.CFLL.org.
Grants will be announced on a rolling basis as fundraising permits. Grants are administered in partnership with the Pandemic Community Advisory Group consisting of funding partners and representatives from community, health and government sectors across the Springfield, IL region.
The Fund cannot provide grants to individuals, however, it does support community-based organizations that have experience providing essential services and support to local residents.
“We aim to move resources quickly and efficiently without further burdening organizations providing critical services and support,” said United Way of Central Illinois President John Kelker.
Tax-deductible contributions to the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Greater Capital Region of Illinois can be made through the Community Foundation at www.CFLL.org or United Way by texting “HELPNOW” to 40403 or online at www.springfieldunitedway.org/covid19.
Checks made payable to the COVID-19 Response Fund can be mailed to either:
Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln OR United Way of Central Illinois
205 S. Fifth St., Suite 530 1999 Wabash, Suite 107
Springfield, IL 62701 Springfield, IL 62704
To learn more about the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit the Community Foundation at www.CFLL.org and the United Way at www.springfieldunitedway.org.