TERRE HAUTE, Ind – The United Way of the Wabash Valley and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation announced Thursday morning (4/2/20) that they have distributed 10 grants to local organizations totaling more than $38,000.  The funds will be used to assist service provider organizations helping individuals and families with immediate COVID-19 related needs in Vigo, Clay, Parke, Sullivan, and Vermillion counties in Indiana and Clark County in Illinois.

The initial grant recipients include:

• $5,000 for ALS Association of Indiana – increased need for direct support for those with ALS
• $5,000 for Clay County Emergency Food Pantry – increase in need for food
• $5,000 for Human Resources Center of Edgar and Clark Counties – funds will allow adaptation to telemedicine for mental health and substance use disorder services
• $5,000 for Mental Health America of West Central Indiana – aiding homeless with mental health needs including an increase in need for supplies
• $5,000 for Parke County Resource Center – increase in need for food and hygiene products
• $4,180 for Child Adult Resource Center (CARS) – increased need for food, cleaning supplies, thermometers, and PPE at 7 sites
• $3,000 for Kid Kare Project – increased need for hygiene products, food and gas
• $3,000 for Light House Mission – increased number of food and housing needs
• $3,000 for Wabash Activity Center – support operations to house Meals on Wheels
• $500 for Covered In Love – resupply of baby wipes

Beth Tevlin, Executive Director of the Wabash Valley Community Foundation said that “Many in our community are facing new struggles and it is inspiring to see our local organizations stepping up and adapting to provide vital services to meet those in need.” She added that “This funding will provide vital resources to help these organizations meet the growing needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

All requests are prioritized and funded based upon up-to-date community needs assessments.

Each organization may apply for a maximum of $5,000 and reapply for additional funds two weeks after they receive fund disbursement. The requests will be reviewed, and disbursements made weekly after approval by a Grant Steering Committee selected and approved by United Way of the Wabash Valley and Wabash Valley Community Foundation. Committee membership includes seven (7) community volunteers and staff from both organizations experienced in fund allocation and grant management. Funding decisions will be based on community needs, funds remaining in the relief fund, and other pending requests.

Those organizations wanting to apply can request funds through a simple process available at uwwv.org/covid.  The application should be less than one page, and emailed to covid19fund@uwwv.org upon completion.

“This is just the first of multiple phases of funding provided to our community,” explained Richard Payonk, the Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley.  “We understand that these are uncertain times, but we see the needs in our community continuing to rise with many needing our help now more than ever.  As this fund continues to grow we will be able to support many more organizations providing front line services to those who are struggling.  We encourage those that are able to support the fund to consider a donation, no matter the amount.”

 

Initially funded by both organizations, the fund has grown to more than $181,000 in just a week and has seen donations from local corporations and individuals across the Wabash Valley.  Community donations up to $100,000 will be matched in cooperation from the United Way and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation.  If community members are interested in donating to the fund, please visit uwwv.org/covid or wvcf.org/covid.  All money that is donated will remain in the Wabash Valley and can be designated to specific-county use.   No administrative fees will be charged, so 100% of the donations will flow into our local community in the form of future grant disbursements.  Corporate partners and foundations seeking to be partners in the fund can reach out to Danielle Isbell at disbell@uwwv.org or Beth Tevlin at beth@wvcf.org.

For more information on the fund specifics, size, awards, and how to apply visit the website uwwv.org/covid.