In response to the mounting challenges created by COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) has created an Emergency Impact Fund to provide operating grants to organizations in the foundation’s eight-county service area working to maintain services with decreasing means of support.
While the long-term impact of the pandemic remains unknown, organizations working to fulfill already critical needs are feeling strain, which is resulting in new challenges. This presents an opportunity for the community to gather and deploy resources in a responsive, unified and flexible way.
The creation of the fund is an extension of CFOV’s commitment to the Ohio Valley, which is further demonstrated through its existing grant, scholarship and community leadership programs. Being able to respond to extraordinary community needs is an essential element of the Foundation’s work and role in the Ohio Valley. The Emergency Impact Fund provides a collective and collaborative way for the community to support the community.
CFOV Executive Director Susie Nelson believes it is important for the foundation to serve in this way and knows strong and supported nonprofits play a critical role in improving the quality of life for all.
“As an organization rooted in community, we know our area’s nonprofit organizations seek to make the Ohio Valley better in diverse and meaningful ways. Many of those organizations serve vulnerable populations and provide opportunities to strengthen and support individuals, families and those in recovery. These same organizations rely on resources of all types that are quickly diminishing in the current environment. The Emergency Impact Fund is just one way we can help keep critical work from stopping,” Nelson shared.
Individuals, corporations, donor advisors and private foundations are encouraged to join CFOV in these supportive efforts by making a gift to the fund. All gifts are tax-deductible and will be used to support local organizations as they adjust to changing demands.
Contributions to the Emergency Impact Fund can be made by making a check payable to CFOV, with Emergency Impact Fund in the memo line, and mailing to 1226 Chapline St., Wheeling, WV 26003. Online contributions may be made by visiting www.cfov.org and clicking on the red “donate” button at the top of the page.
To learn more about CFOV’s Emergency Impact Fund call CFOV at 304-242-3144 or email director@cfov.org.
