Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund announces latest round of grants

Partners have now granted out more than $7 million in Phase II

Release Date: 5.4.2021

CLEVELAND – The Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund announced today its 13th cycle of biweekly grants as part of its Phase II efforts to support the Greater Cleveland nonprofit community during the ongoing pandemic. In total, $438,298 was granted to eight organizations and groups serving Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. Since the start of Phase II in mid-November, partners have granted more than $7 million.

The latest round of grant recipients includes:

  • Colors+ ($15,000): To fund counseling for LGBTQ+ residents in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties who can no longer afford services due to COVID-related unemployment
  • East Cleveland Public Library ($22,000): To continue building modifications for COVID-19 CDC compliance and provision of PPE for the 25,000+ individuals who utilize the library
  • Empowering & Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP) ($100,000): To support the continuation of services including housing stability, direct aid, rental and financial assistance support for vulnerable populations in Cuyahoga County
  • Enduring the Course ($15,000): To address COVID-related behavioral health needs in Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities in Cuyahoga County; specifically supporting parents of children with mental health diagnoses not covered by Medicaid
  • First Tee of Cleveland ($4,000): To support PPE, COVID safety measures and equipment for ongoing youth programming serving Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties
  • Greater Cleveland Congregations ($250,750): To support vaccine pop-up events to provide access to 7,000 at-risk individuals on Cleveland’s east side
  • Phillis Wheatley Association of Cleveland ($25,000): To provide home-delivered meals to older adults in the Central neighborhood
  • University Circle Incorporated ($6,548): To support PPE & COVID-19 safety materials and equipment for summer youth programs for University Circle and surrounding 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; this includes a new gift from Judy & Bob Rawson. 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.

Grants during Phase II of the Greater Cleveland COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund are awarded every two weeks and will continue for one year. Awards range in size from $5,000 to $100,000, with a maximum grant amount of $100,000 for any nonprofit organization throughout the current cycle ending Oct. 31, 2021. 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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