Community Foundation Distributes $250,000 to Assist Individuals, Families During COVID-19 Crisis

The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri distributed $250,000 to 12 nonprofits to assist individuals and families in Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike Counties, IL. The grants were made in conjunction with the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (IRCF).

The IRCF, established by the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundation and the United Way of Illinois in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, prioritizes swiftly deploying resources to local nonprofit organizations across the state to supply essential resources to the individuals and households most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Foundation was one of 30 organizations in Illinois to receive funding from IRCF’s first round of grants, totaling $5.5 million.

“These funds are for the people of West Central Illinois, and the Community Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to steward them on behalf of the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund and partner with local nonprofits to quickly deploy them where and how they are needed most,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “This Fund illustrates how people and communities across the state can come together and help each other through unprecedented challenges.”

Local grantee partners were selected in collaboration with Tracy Family Foundation, The Moorman Foundation, and John Wood Community College Foundation, known regionally as the Funder’s Collaborative.

“During these challenging times, nonprofits are working tirelessly to assist the increasing number of individuals who are experiencing hardship,” said Meckes. “But, they can’t do it without support. These funds will help our nonprofit partners provide vital services and resources to more families and hopefully, reduce the hardship this crisis will have on our region.”

Nonprofits receiving grants include: 

Bella Ease dba Teen REACH Food distribution for at-risk youth and families; remote learning mentoring support; Family Focus program emergency supplies and financial assistance.

Blessing Foundation Inc. Community Spirit Fund to assist individuals and families with COVID-19 related urgent financial needs.

Cheerful Home Child Care &Early Learning Center Emergency child care for essential services providers.

Community for Christ Assistance Center Food pantry and financial assistance for rent and utilities in rural Adams, Brown, and Hancock Counties.

Horizons Social Services Support for increased need of soup kitchen and food pantry.

Memorial Hospital Foundation Financial assistance to individuals and families in Hancock County for rent, utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and other needs in response to COVID-19.

Pike County Unmet Needs Inc. Financial assistance for individuals and families experiencing hardship due to COVID-19. 

Quincy Catholic Charities Mobile Food Pantry expansion in rural Adams, Brown, and Pike Counties, traditional food pantry meat purchase, and other direct social services support services including MedAssist and counseling.

Quincy Family YMCA COVID-19 emergency support services including child care, emergency resource referral, unemployment outreach, and food distribution in Adams, Brown, and Pike Counties.

Salvation Army of Quincy Food, rent, and utility assistance; emergency shelter support. 

Transitions of Western Illinois COVID-19 Telehealth Mental Health Services 

United Way of Adams County Adams County Together relief fund for individuals and families experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.

About the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund

The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, chaired by former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, was established by the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and the United Way of Illinois in collaboration with the Office of the Governor to provide flexible funding to local nonprofit organizations across the state to supply essential resources to the individuals and households most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds raised will be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the state serving individuals, families and communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund prioritizes swiftly deploying resources to local community foundations and nonprofits in support of residents in need of: emergency food and basic supplies; interim housing and shelter; primary health care services; utility and financial assistance; supports for children and other vulnerable populations, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance.

The Fund has raised more than $28 million from nearly 2,000 donors since its launch on March 26.