After 11 weeks of emergency grant distribution to address the local impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region are preparing to conclude our joint crisis relief grantmaking. Pending the availability of funds, we will accept and review grant applications through June 12. We intend to maintain a minimal balance in preparation for the next time we unfortunately need a coordinated emergency funding response.

We recognize that individuals and families remain in crisis and will continue to respond to the needs of the community to the best of our ability utilizing existing resources within our respective organizations. We also remain vigilant in our goals to address the disparities magnified by the impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. We have been and will continue to be in ongoing direct contact with community partners, 2-1-1 and local residents to understand the evolving needs of community.

Immense gratitude to our many nonprofit partners for addressing urgent basic needs and providing direct services for populations made more vulnerable during extremely challenging circumstances. These past three months have demonstrated the incredible ability of the sector to adapt, innovate and align as partners in support of those in greatest need.

Finally, we’d like to express tremendous gratitude to our generous community for contributing more than $2.4 million in support of our respective community crisis relief funds. As a result, we have been able to award more than $2.5 million to date and will continue to make grants through June 12 as funds allow.

For more information on the impact of our Community Urgent Relief Fund grantmaking, click here.