COVID -19 Community Response Fund

PHASE 2  FUNDING IS NOW CLOSED “United Way of Fort Smith Area has now opened Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Community Response Fund Grants. Deadline to apply for this round is Monday, May 4th. We are offering 10-$2,500 micro-grants to area non-profits and faith based organizations that are working with individuals and families combating Food Insecurity such as feeding sites, Meals on Wheels Programs, non-perishable backpacks, etc.. in order to meet the food needs locally. United Way recently received the Blue and You Foundation Grant to help fund the fight against hunger during this unique and unprecedented time. We appreciate all the work area agencies and organizations are doing during this time to provide food to the hungry in our area.

If your organization receives a $2,500 micro-grant, the following information is required once grant monies have been spent or within six-months of receiving the funds.  

1. State the number of persons that were reached or lives directly impacted by funds provided through this grant.
2. List two to three items that you consider to be the most significant outcomes from the use of funds from this grant.
3. Describe the change to normal operating procedures or precautions your organization was forced to take due to COVID-19.”

Community Organizations

We are working closely with committee members and partner groups to ensure that the grants awarded to non-profit’s meet the greatest needs in communities impacted by COVID-19. These micro-grants will be provided as funds become available.

These micro-grants (up to $1000) are for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mini-grant applications will be accepted and grants will be awarded until available grant funds are expended.

Application for Funding

Funding will be available for immediate response to meet basic needs of those impacted by COVID-19.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received. All organizations receiving grant funds will be required to account for their expenditures and report on the impact of the services funded. Deadlines for reporting will be provided along with each approval notification.

Eligible Organizations:  501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based organizations and other community-based organizations providing direct relief assistance.

Note: Only those qualified organizations able to describe their plans and demonstrate their ability to serve those affected will be eligible. Questions? Email aruth@www.unitedwayfortsmith.org

To complete this application, you will need:

• Complete contact information for your organization, including phone numbers and two valid email addresses

• Information regarding plans to support  relief and recovery

• Estimated cost of current and planned efforts

• How success of your efforts will be measured

• Estimated time to complete the proposed work

• Required organizational documentation (please send to aruth@www.unitedwayfortsmith.org)