Community foundations in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties are responding to the COVID-19 crisis by creating a fund that will financially aid residents most impacted by the coronavirus.
The funds will be made available to nonprofit agencies and will be used to address the immediate and long-term needs of their respective communities.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County is receiving its funds from local donors. The foundation will use 100 percent of its funds to support the community needs identified by its partners in human services, health, housing and education.
“We’re concerned about community health, and the potential for people to face economic hardship and food insecurity in the coming months,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO. “By being proactive during times of uncertainty, this fund will allow us to help one another through this challenge.”
Meanwhile, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will collect donations from individuals, companies and other foundations. Last week the Community Foundation issued $100,000 in disaster-related grant funds to local organizations at the frontlines of the outbreak in Santa Cruz County, including Second Harvest Food Bank, Grey Bears, Community Bridges and Community Action Board.
“Every day local needs are multiplying in terms of both magnitude and complexity. We have a fund in place to support our community and give those searching for a way to help a place to go,” said CFSCC CEO Susan True.
The community foundations also encourage healthy individuals to volunteer as well as to donate in order to serve the most vulnerable populations.
To help the Monterey County foundation visit cfmco.org/CovidRelief.
Visit www.cfscc.org/donate/COVID for the Santa Cruz County foundation.
Santa Cruz County has now 15 coronavirus cases, according to the Santa Cruz Health Division.
The Monterey County Health Department has confirmed eight cases as of Saturday morning.
