As the nonprofit community in the Mid-Ohio Valley continues to meet the needs of people affected by coronavirus, our foundation has been keeping eyes and ears on the ground, remaining vigilant with how our funds can best support these needs. To date, our Board of Directors has approved funding of over $318,000 to more than 50 organizations.
We remain committed to our partnerships to support our 11-county region as we have contributed more 1:1 matching funds to various COVID-19 response funds. “Organizations that we have supported through these partnerships have found creative ways to continue operations in a safe manner,” Executive Director Renee Steffen said. “The adaptability of our nonprofit community has been impressive. Working with our foundation colleagues to meet community needs continues to be a bright spot as communication is streamlined and grant funds can be disbursed quickly.”
Funding partnerships with the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the Marietta Community Foundation, the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, the Athens County Foundation, and the Meigs County Community Fund through the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio will continue to support four priority areas and other emerging needs we identified in the spring: food access and distribution, the needs of the senior population, mental health and addiction related needs, and healthcare infrastructure needs.
SHF contributed $40,000 to the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Safety Net Fund to assist various organizations with operating costs, food access, and sanitation. Since our last e-newsletter, these organizations include:
- Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg
- Calhoun County Committee on Aging
- Community Resources
- Eve Incorporated
- Hope Shop
- Little Kanawha Resource Conservation and Development
- Roane County Committee on Aging
- Westbrook Health Services
SHF contributed $10,000 to the Athens County Foundation for food access to youth, critical home repairs, and mental health well-being for individuals in recovery. Since our last e-newsletter, these organizations include:
- Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio
- Integrated Services for Behavioral Health
- Women for Recovery
A contribution of $10,000 to the Meigs County Community Fund provided support for food access to Meigs County residents. Since our last e-newsletter, funding was awarded to these organizations:
- Eastern Local School District Eagle Pack Program
- God’s Hands at Work
- Golden Harvest Food Pantry
- Meigs County Council on Aging
- Meigs County Farmer’s Market
A contribution of $25,000 to the Marietta Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Community Plan has provided support for food access, needs of seniors, healthcare supplies, and operating costs. Since our last e-newsletter, funding has been awarded to:
- Washington-Morgan Community Action
A contribution of $25,000 to the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Plan have provided food assistance and operating support. Since our last e-newsletter, funding has been awarded to:
- O’Neill Senior Center
Since our last e-newsletter, other collaborative funding was also awarded to Catholic Charities of WV for food and utility assistance to residents of Calhoun, Jackson, Roane, Wirt, and Wood Counties as a result of COVID-19.