COVID 19

In response to the Coronavirus and the ensuing economic consequences of this outbreak, the United Way of West Georgia, Inc. in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley and the Callaway Foundation has established the Troup County Emergency Relief Fund to provide flexible resources to organizations in Troup County working with the most vulnerable citizens: members of the community who are most disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus (COVID 19) and the economic consequences of this outbreak. In support of this philanthropic effort, the Callaway Foundation has offered a $50,000 matching grant for this fund. Contributions will be matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000. This fund exists to provide flexible resources to organizations in Troup County working with our most vulnerable citizens: members of the community who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Charitable grants will fund existing organizations and programs that have deep roots in our community and strong experience working in areas such as access to food, prescriptions/healthcare, childcare and basic needs. This fund is designed to complement the work of local public health, nonprofit and governmental entities, and to expand local capacity to support individuals and families experiencing hardships because of the outbreak and related closures and disruptions.

The first phase of the rapid-response grants will increase resiliency in disproportionately affected communities by addressing the immediate and basic needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by loss of work or reduced wages, school and business closures, and the increased demand for healthcare information and support among our most vulnerable community members. If there are charitable opportunities to minimize the number of people who are exposed to the disease, these could potentially also be supported in the initial grant rounds. The Emergency Relief Fund hopes to move an initial round of area grants within the next few weeks. United Way of West Georgia will administer grants from the Emergency Relief Fund in partnership with CFCV and the Callaway Foundation and in close collaboration with community partners and local governments. Together, we will proactively identify potential grant recipients, solicit guidance on potential partnerships and recommend final awards as quickly as possible. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, making it possible to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving needs in subsequent funding phases. Both UWWG and CFCV are waiving the administrative fees that would normally be associated with this Fund. Banking fees, including credit card transactions for contributions to the Fund, will apply.