Dear Friend,

It is with greatest hope this message finds you and yours healthy and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the recent events related to COVID-19 and the rapid spread of the virus, we felt it necessary to share with you an update on our course of action and operations for the next several weeks.

We are reaching out to you — our donors, grantees, neighbors and friends — to let you know we are actively exploring the best ways your Community Foundation can support the residents of Clay, Sullivan and Vigo counties through the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, the health, vitality and quality of life for all our residents are of the greatest importance to us. The virus will undoubtedly have a significant impact on our most vulnerable populations and on our already challenged neighborhoods and communities.

For our communities, the Community Foundation has provided three emergency grants for food insecure students in Clay and Sullivan counties. We have also created a Rapid Response grant process for hospitals, qualified health clinics, city and county law enforcement, emergency responders and emergency management agencies for personal protective gear, equipment or supplies and including workforce and operational needs. Additionally, the Community Foundation has partnered with the United Way of the Wabash Valley to launch the Wabash Valley COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Community Foundation and United Way each have provided $50,000 to the Relief Fund and pledged $50,000 in matching funds. Your contribution via mail or online at wvcf.org/covid can help our communities move through this crisis. For additional information, please click on the stories below.

Our staff has shifted to working remotely to reduce the risk of transmissions in the midst of concerns related to COVID-19. Every staff member has the technology and resources they need to continue to serve our communities. The software we use is available via the internet, so while it is not necessarily business as usual, we will work to ensure there are no interruptions in our daily operations. You can continue to recommend grants, receive grants and scholarships, request distributions/reimbursements, make donations and obtain information. Donations can be mailed to our office or accepted via our website at wvcf.org/donate.

As this situation rapidly evolves, our concentration is on two guiding priorities:

• Protecting the health and safety of our staff, directors, volunteers and community which we interface with daily.
• Safeguarding our ability to continue to support our fundholders and nonprofit organizations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a vital piece of reducing the risk of spreading any virus is to practice social distancing. Our offices will remain closed through April 30. However, our staff will continue our daily work and be available by phone, email, text and teleconferencing. We will be closely monitoring the situation and will adjust our plans as necessary.

We know it is critical for your Community Foundation to be responsive and supportive to the communities during this pandemic. During this unsettling time that has no precedence within our lifetimes, we understand the seriousness of these events and the impact they may have on our residents — especially among us that are the most vulnerable.

The Community Foundation is designed to ensure our operations continue should unexpected challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic occur, which allows us to continue serving our communities on your behalf. Furthermore, earnings from unrestricted endowment funds allow us to immediately address the wide array of needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic such as health and human services, emergency equipment and more, but we cannot do it alone! We ask that you consider donating to a Community Grant Fund in Clay, Sullivan or Vigo county so we can continue to provide funding for emergency and Rapid Response grants to assist with the current COVID-19 pandemic. For those donations earmarked for Clay or Sullivan counties, your gift will be matched $2-for-$1 by Lilly Endowment Inc., ensuring your gift is magnified in this time of need.

Thank you for your patience and support during this uncertain time. We are seeking creative ways to continue corresponding with you using technology and other innovative approaches, including the launch of this eNewsletter! In the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out via telephone at 812-232-2234 or info@wvcf.org. Every staff member remains available by email, phone or text.

Your Community Foundation staff are determined to continue serving the Wabash Valley’s charitable needs. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

 

Your Community Foundation Board and Staff