Little Rock, Ark. (March 18, 2020) – Arkansas Community Foundation announces the creation of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will be used to direct resources to Arkansas nonprofits that are working to serve the state’s most vulnerable populations and those disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and its economic fallout.
Donations can be made online at www.arcf.org/covid19, by mailing a check to Arkansas Community Foundation, 5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Little Rock, AR 72202 or by contacting the Community Foundation directly at 888-220-2723.
The Community Foundation will work locally through its network of 28 affiliate offices around the state serving all 75 counties. The fund will support community needs identified by our nonprofit partners in human services, food, health, housing and education. Grants will be made to
nonprofit agencies that meet both immediate and long-term needs related to the impact of the virus in Arkansas.
“This is why we exist—to help communities. This fund is an efficient way to get quick relief funds to local nonprofits serving the people most affected by the pandemic. During these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we come together to respond to the needs of our state.” said Heather Larkin, President and CEO of Arkansas Community Foundation.
As the situation continues to evolve, prioritization of needs will likely change. Some potential needs have been identified for the more vulnerable populations:
- Healthcare nonprofits that may need additional funding to provide safety equipment for their employees and volunteers
- Organizations providing emergency childcare
- Food pantries and groups providing mobile meal delivery for children, the elderly and other vulnerable populations
- School systems attempting to meet the needs of their students remotely
- Human service agencies providing assistance with rent, utilities and other basic expenses for individuals who have lost a source of income
Foundation leadership will be closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our communities and may deploy additional resources to best meet the evolving needs. Nonprofits can find more information by contacting the Foundation at 888-220-2723.
Arkansas Community Foundation offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs. By making grants and sharing knowledge, the Community Foundation supports charitable programs that work for Arkansas and partners to create new initiatives that address the gaps. Since 1976, the Community Foundation has provided more than $250 million in grants and partnered with thousands of Arkansans to help them improve our neighborhoods, our towns and our entire state. Contributions to the Community Foundation, its funds and any of its 28 affiliates are fully tax
deductible.