We asked members of the NCF network to share how their affiliated funds are stepping up during the COVID-19 pandemic to educate, create prosperity, nurture community, and spread goodwill in their hometowns. Here’s what they said!
The Norfolk Area Community Foundation Fund has tried to provide assistance to those in our community disproportionality impacted by COVID-19. We wanted to make sure everyone in our community was cared for. The Fund has given out over $55,000 in COVID response grants to our community. We’ve helped support non-profits, small businesses, schools, nursing homes, mental health organizations, and so many others. Here are a few examples:
Oasis Counseling – mental health services via telehealth
Bridging the Learning Gap
The Zone – mental wellness and community service for high schoolers
Lutheran High Northeast – masks and face shields
Norfolk Catholic – acrylic shields
The Meadows Nursing Home – Facebook Portals
Adopt a Grandparent through Connecting Elders
Elkhorn Valley Schools – drinking fountain filling station
Norfolk Public Library – 10 wifi hotspots
Greater Norfolk Economic Development Foundation – small business gift card program
– Callan Collins, Norfolk Area Community Foundation FundThe fund advisory committee decided early on that we needed to be examples for our community. We knew that if we were seen in public with our masks on and practicing social distancing that people would take notice. This has recently been taken a step further as we have now started a social media campaign that highlights community leaders and their “why” for wearing their mask in public. Soon we will work with the hospital and other community leaders to extend this campaign into a vaccine campaign featuring healthcare leaders, nurses, and caregivers and their “why” for receiving the vaccine.
– Tricia Wagner, McCook Community Foundation FundOur fund has done a number of things and played numerous roles during the pandemic:
Bridging the Learning Gap #1 – provided funds for technology devices and software for students and teachers
Bridging the Learning Gap #2 – provided funds to hire a mental health professional who is providing services to students in our schools
Yard signs and special recognition for local 2020 graduates
Grants to local food banks and social service providers
Cruise Night on Main Street for citizens to greet each other from the safety of their vehicles
Scavenger Hunt of local historic sites using QR code technology
A video which shares our 2020 impact and outcomes virtually in lieu of our annual in-person event.
– Doug Friedli, Nebraska City Community Foundation Fund
CLICK HERE to share how your NCF affiliated fund is spreading goodness in the midst of a global pandemic.
If you are interested in learning more about these projects or are inspired to get something started in your own community, read this article on Roles Your FAC Can Play in the Pandemic and reach out to your Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator!
