The Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund announced yesterday it has distributed more than $5.5 million to 30 nonprofit organizations across the state, marking the first grants since launching. The Fund established by the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, also announced it has raised more than $28 million since its launch on March 26. Funds raised will be disbursed to nonprofit organizations across the state serving individuals, families and communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund prioritizes local community foundations and nonprofits in support of residents in need of food and basic supplies, housing, health care services, utility, and financial assistance. The grants announced yesterday range from $25,000 to $250,000. This is the first round of grants and there will be multiple rounds of funding in the coming weeks aimed at addressing needs as they evolve. Director of Communications for the Galesburg Community Foundation, Karlie Elliott Bowman says GCF received $100,000. This comes as GCF announced that in partnership with The Twomey Foundation, the G.L. Vitale Family Foundation, the McClean Family Endowment Fund, the Warren and Knox County United Way have committed $145,000 to establish the Rapid Response Fund to support local nonprofit organizations on the front lines dealing with COVID-19.
