CINCINNATI (March 26, 2020) – One week after its launch, the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund has distributed $1 million directly to two dozen organizations serving our region’s most vulnerable individuals and families affected by COVID-19, specifically in immediate need of food, shelter, childcare and senior services.
“We are connecting with organizations that are providing immediate relief, trusted neighborhood agencies that are the first place people in need turn,” said Moira Weir, United Way President/CEO. “It is important to get resources to ground zero as quickly as possible. United Way is fortunate to have close connections that allow it to rapidly mobilize resources in times of crisis. We can’t thank the community enough for responding to our plea.”
To date, Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the United Way of Greater Cincinnati have raised nearly $4 million for the fund. “I am inspired by the generosity of our donors and this community,” said Ellen Katz, Greater Cincinnati Foundation President/CEO. “We are talking to our nonprofit community every day, listening and responding to the greatest needs individuals and families are facing. We know the need is much greater. Join us — support our neighbors when they need us most. We are stronger together.”
To inspire our community to step forward to help our neighbors most in need right now, an anonymous donor is generously providing a $250,000, 1:1 match for credit card and check donations. No gift is too small. Simply text RAPID to 91999.
The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund provides a cross-sector response addressing critical community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was activated by Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati, in partnership with contributions from bi3, Deaconess Associations Foundation, Fifth Third Foundation, First Financial Bank, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Scripps Howard Foundation and Western & Southern Financial Group. The initial goal is to raise $5 million. These resources are responsively allocated to nonprofit organizations meeting our region’s most critical needs at this time. Resources will remain fluid as community needs and challenges evolve.
To contribute to the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund, please text RAPID to 91999 or visit www.gcfdn.org/COVID-19 for more ways to give.
About Greater Cincinnati Foundation
As the region’s leading community foundation, Greater Cincinnati Foundation connects people with purpose in an eight-county region in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. GCF is leading the charge toward a more vibrant Greater Cincinnati for everyone — now, and for generations to come.
Media Contact:
Jaclyn Sablosky
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
(513) 295-7399
About United Way of Greater Cincinnati
United Way of Greater Cincinnati leads programs and partnerships to help local families move on a path out of poverty with the bold, long-term vision of breaking the cycle of poverty across the region. United Way changes systems and policies across government, corporate and community organizations so they work better for families in poverty. United Way improves lives in 10 counties across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. It is the largest organized community effort to help families move out of poverty for good. Together, with 90,000 supporters, we unite communities to change lives. Additional information about the programs, initiatives, services, and community impact, is available at UWGC.org #LiveUnited
Media Contact:
Jennifer Riegert
513-309-2920
