June 11th, 2020
MANKATO—After overwhelmingly positive community support, the Community Response Fund (CRF) of Greater Mankato Area United Way and the Mankato Area Foundation is evaluating its next funding phase as COVID-19 emergency response efforts shift to recovery.
The CRF has distributed a total of $182,450 to regional tax-exempt organizations since the fund launched March 20. Grants have been awarded in areas of need related to food/supply distribution, emergency housing, emergency financial assistance, health and wellbeing, and programs/supplies needed to support crisis response. View the full list to date at www.MankatoUnitedWay.org/community-response-fund or https://www.mankatoareafoundation.com/programs-and-initiatives/community-response-fund/.
Grant review will be temporarily suspended as evaluation takes place. United Way and Mankato Area Foundation are gathering input from local agencies representing various sectors of nonprofits to determine prioritization of needs for the next phase of funding.
“Our region’s generosity has allowed us to respond swiftly to the critical needs stemming from COVID-19,” said Greater Mankato Area United Way CEO Barb Kaus. “Now we are working to ensure we fully understand the needs of organizations moving into the recovery stage so we can keep our region strong and balanced.”
“Our partnership with Greater Mankato Area United Way has been instrumental in the success of the Community Response Fund,” said Mankato Area Foundation President & CEO Nancy Zallek. “Our combined resources have allowed us to work closely with the nonprofit community and respond quickly to their needs. We enter into this next phase thoughtfully, and strategically, as we determine how best to support this region.”
If you are an organization and have questions about applying, please contact Sarah Beiswanger at sarah@mankatoareafoundation.com.
About the Community Response Fund
Established through the Greater Mankato Area United Way and Mankato Area Foundation, this fund is designed to respond swiftly in support of organizations that are serving the escalating needs of our communities affected by COVID-19. To learn more about the Community Response Fund, please visit https://www.mankatoareafoundation.com/programs-and-initiatives/community-response-fund or https://www.mankatounitedway.org/community-response-fund.