GALESBURG, Ill. (August 10, 2020)– The Rapid Response Fund at Galesburg Community Foundation issued the third round of grants to seven local nonprofits serving the front lines due to COVID-19 in Knox and Warren Counties. The Rapid Response Fund stipulates that priority be given to local nonprofits providing front line services and nonprofits providing basic services to communities already vulnerable before the emergency or disproportionately affected by the emergency. Grants from the Rapid Response Fund are made possible thanks to generous local foundations, organizations and individuals and the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund (ICRF). The ICRF was established by the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor.
Joshua Gibb, president & CEO of Galesburg Community Foundation said, “Local philanthropy continues to be hard at work in Knox and Warren Counties during this difficult time. We’re grateful for the many people and organizations who continue giving to ensure our local nonprofits can continue providing essential needs to the people who call our communities home. We continue to be inspired by the impact that generosity can have.”
The following nonprofits serving Knox & Warren Counties were issued grants:
- Carl Sandburg College Foundation- Emergency assistance for Carl Sandburg College students
- Jamieson Community Center- Emergency food and supplemental assistance for Warren County
- Knox College Student Fund- Emergency assistance for Knox College students
- Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center- To aid clients with rent, utilities and food
- Salvation Army of Galesburg- Food program, homeless prevention, rent and utility assistance
- United Way of Knox County Unmet Needs Committee- To aid with rent, utilities and food
- VNA Community Services- Providing meals and wellness checks for senior community members
To date, with the addition of these seven grants, the Rapid Response Fund has issued a total of $224,450 to nonprofits serving Knox and Warren Counties. Contributions to the Rapid Response Fund reached $347,000, thanks to the initial $145,000 from the Community Foundation, The Twomey Foundation, the G.L. Vitale Family Foundation, the McClean Family Endowment Fund, the Warren County United Way, the United Way of Knox County, the Illinois COVID Relief Fund and many generous organizations and community members who have given to the fund with gifts of all sizes.
