Changes to Grantmaking Made to Support Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19

CFNEIA

March 19, 2020

Today, we are facing an unprecedented challenge: the alarming spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. We understand that this pandemic is taking a toll on everyone and every organization, including our region’s nonprofit partners.


Because of the impacts the coronavirus outbreak is having on the nonprofit sector, we are working on ways to continue and even strengthen our support of the nonprofits serving our 20-county region. To help lessen the stress and burden on our nonprofit partners and to better support current and future needs in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have implemented specific grantmaking strategies including:

Grant Application and Reporting Deadlines Extended

The deadline for all spring cycle grant opportunities has been extended to April 8. This change is reflected on the Grant Opportunities page of our website including revised grant guidelines. The deadline for any grant reports due between now and May 31 has been extended to July 31.

Grantmaking Focus Shifted

During the spring grant cycle, CFNEIA will prioritize applications for nonprofits most affected by and/or dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. Applicants are encouraged to apply for general operating support instead of project-based proposals.

Flexibility in Previous Grants

Any project-based grants that have been previously awarded but not yet fully spent may be used instead for general operating support. Nonprofits wishing to change the purpose of their grants should call the Community Foundation programs department to discuss.

Please be aware that our strategies are likely to shift as things change, but our goal will still be the same—to support our communities by supporting the nonprofit sector.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your organization with us, please contact Program Director, Tom Wickersham, or Program Manager, Dotti Thompson.