Wausau Pilot and Review Staff

NEWS RELEASE — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin has teamed up with United Way of Marathon County to create the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Each organization has donated $25,000 to the Fund.

This effort will give essential resources and aid to our neighbors in need. This fund will provide flexible funding for organizations working in our community who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. Working in partnership, this Fund is designed to expand local capacity to address the effects on individuals and families as a result of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.

We know there will be serious short and long-term impacts during this pandemic. We acknowledge that the resources of local nonprofit organizations may be stressed – as they provide support for those with immediate needs in this time.

We need to help our community weather this time of uncertainty. We can’t do it without your support.

This COVID-19 Community Response Fund will focus on immediate needs such as, but not limited to:

  • Childcare for families impacted as a result of the pandemic
  • Mental health and addiction care that may be impacted
  • Food security
  • Emergency rental assistance

Together we will proactively identify potential grant recipients and award funding where needed. The Community Foundation will cover all administrative fees so 100% of your donation supports our local nonprofits.

“As a community, it is during times like this, that we need to come together to look out for those who are most vulnerable among us. We also know that the impact of this crisis will not be short-term but will have long-lasting effects on families in Marathon County” said Jeff Sargent, Executive Director of United Way of Marathon County.

“This is a much-needed partnership designed to quickly deploy resources, funded by the generosity of the people of our community, to get into the hands of organizations who are working to provide critical and necessary work during this time. This fund will complement many existing services and also provide new and innovative strategies to benefit our community, now and into the future” stated Jean Tehan, President/CEO of the Community Foundation.

To donate, visit this link.

For additional details about the Fund, visit this link.

Top photo: Courtesy of the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin