Three organizations and groups receive latest round of grantmaking from Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

Phase II now moving to monthly cycle for remaining funds

Release Date: 6.2.2021

CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund announced today its 15th cycle of biweekly grants as part of its Phase II efforts to support the Greater Cleveland nonprofit community during the ongoing pandemic. In total, $47,500 was granted to three organizations and groups serving Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Since the start of Phase II in mid-November, partners have granted more than $7.1 million.

The latest round of grant recipients includes:

  • Cleveland Rape Crisis Center ($32,500): To expand child and family therapy which has increased in demand due to the heightened incidence of sexual violence during COVID-related lockdowns
  • Project Noelle ($5,000): To provide clothing care kits, diapers, and supplies for families in Greater Cleveland
  • Five Loaves Two Fish ($10,000): To provide food and hygiene supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Downtown and St. Clair Superior neighborhoods

The Fund welcomes applications from nonprofits seeking support to address community needs in the areas of basic needs, housing, PPE, testing and vaccination access. Applicants are asked to demonstrate that the program or project will have a direct impact on reducing the spread of COVID-19. The Fund is especially interested in applications that help vulnerable populations access the vaccine.

Contributions to the second phase of the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund total more than $10.9 million. Funding partners urge other foundations, corporate entities, individuals and organizations to contribute to the Fund. Donations of any amount are welcomed, and all contributions are tax deductible.

Based upon the charitable structure of the Rapid Response Fund, the second phase is currently accepting grant applications from eligible organizations serving Cuyahoga, Lake and/or Geauga counties. The Fund is designed primarily to support human service nonprofits with operational budgets of less than $20 million. The Fund partners encourage collaborative proposals that involve multiple organizations within similar sectors or neighborhoods working on shared issues.

Beginning with the next cycle, grants during Phase II of the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund will be awarded monthly. The Fund is expected to continue its funding through summer 2021. Awards range in size from $5,000 to $100,000, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000 for any nonprofit organization. Organizations that were funded during Phase I (between March-July 2020) are eligible to apply for additional funding. Grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution.

For more information or to donate, visit ClevelandFoundation.org/Response.

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