Donate
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund was formed to quickly and effectively address the immediate needs our community is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about the fund and what it means for our community.
Get Help
COVID-19 continues to impact our entire region. So many of our neighbors have lost their jobs, seen reductions in hours or are experiencing loss of income due to closed establishments or canceled events.
Check out these resources that are available right now.
Non Profits Seeking Funding
Funding will be available for nonprofits and faith-based organizations providing immediate response to meet basic needs of those impacted by COVID-19. The focus of this funding is emergency assistance. These micro-grants are for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Micro-grant applications will be accepted and grants will be awarded until available grant funds are expended.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an individual who has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Can this Fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been impacted and more will be impacted in the weeks to come. On behalf of the Fund’s partners, United Way of Fort Smith Area is working to assist organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it be health, economic or social impacts.
The fund will focus on allocating funding to local organizations that have experience with and history of providing people and families with services and support. United Way of Fort Smith Area will not be providing assistance directly to individuals.
Who is eligible for funding?
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund, 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, such as schools, faith-based organizations and other public entities.
Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund?
The COVID-19 Community Response Fund will provide resources to agencies and organizations serving in the United Way of Fort Smith Area service footprint. This area includes Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin and Logan counties in Arkansas, and LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma.
Is there a fee to contribute?
There will be NO administration fees. 100 percent of donations will go to agencies and organizations addressing the immediate needs. The United Way of Fort Smith Area operation expenses are covered by an endowment fund. There are never any admin fees taken from your donation to this or any other fund.
How will the Fund address long term needs?
The Fund priorities may change in the weeks to come. We will continue to monitor the situation and prioritize needs in our local communities. Our committee recognizes the need to provide immediate resources and also the importance of long-term recovery resources.