LCF COVID-19 Response Fund Makes Second Round of Grants
LCF COVID-19 Response Fund Makes Second Round of Grants
Ten agencies serving those in need in London and Middlesex County will be receiving a total of $114,400 from the London Community Foundation (LCF) Covid-19 Response fund.
The fund represents a partnership between London Community Foundation, the Lawson Foundation and Westminster College Foundation, and Friday’s announcement brings the total grants from the fund to $249,400.
This second round of grants will support Across Languages Translation and Interpretation Services, Childcan, Deafblind Ontario, Family Service Thames Valley, Indwell, John Howard Society, London Youth for Christ, Regional HIV/AIDs Connection, SOAHAC, and the Thames Valley Education Foundation for urgent needs such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, technology to facilitate remote work, food security, support for domestic violence, as well as other basic necessities.
The LCF COVID-19 Response Fund is a collaborative effort to support the community through the response, recovery and rebuild phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working closely with other local funders such as United Way Elgin Middlesex and the City of London, LCF and its partners are helping to ensure a coordinated response that will provide a full-spectrum safety net for the community’s most vulnerable.
As pandemic related needs increase, local charitable organizations working on the frontlines have been hit particularly hard as they struggle to serve an increased demand with fewer resources and staff support. After two rounds of funding, LCF and its partners are already seeing the immediate impacts of their grants.
As part of the first round of grants disbursed from the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund, $15,000 has gone to St. Joseph's Hospice to help pay for vital personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
"The support came when we felt like we were at our lowest point," recalls Brittany Webb, Development Officer at St. Joseph’s Hospice. "When we heard from LCF that support was on its way, the news had such a positive ripple effect amongst our staff. It truly lifted everyone's spirits."
Unity Project, an organization that provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to those experiencing homelessness also shared the critical impact of a $20,000 grant from the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund.
“We’re so grateful for the funding from LCF and its partners in response to this overwhelming crisis,” says Silvia Langer, Director of Development at Unity Project. “It will help us to persevere in the short-term, to recover on the other side of this pandemic, and to bring our experience into the institutional vigour we will need to advocate for systemic change.”
This support will help Unity Project replenish their supply of PPE, provide support for additional staff and make some much needed renovations to their shelter before they return.
“We are proud to support our community during this time of need. Over these past few weeks we’ve witnessed incredible strength and generosity. Working with our partners we will continue to make strategic grants that support our community’s most vulnerable while fostering resilience for the future.” – Martha Powell, President & CEO, London Community Foundation
“The collaboration between the foundations, has enabled a stronger, more impactful response to immediate needs. The strength and sense of community continues to inspire.” - Marcel Lauzière, President & CEO, the Lawson Foundation
“Westminster College Foundation is pleased to be an integral part of this unique partnership to help those in greatest need in London and surrounding areas at this critical time.” - Don Atkinson, President, Westminster College Foundation
To learn more about the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund, or to make a donation, click here.