Over the past month, we have been working closely with many of our foundation and nonprofits partners to address critical needs within the region. Although we are still in uncertain on when the pandemic will slow down, we felt it was important to update all of the foundations within Northeastern & North Central Pennsylvania on many of the activities that are occurring. To inspire collaboration and avoid duplication, we have provided this list of emergency grants (click here) that have been made by several funders in the region thus far. We know that the needs of the nonprofits will only increase until we have a full understanding of circumstances, so hopefully this page can help us all understand best actions to take in addressing our current epidemic issues.
Emergency Response Funds
Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
-The Foundation will use its Disaster Relief Fund to coordinate initiatives that support our region and its front-line nonprofits at a time when it is most critical. The goal is to provide flexible resources where they are needed most through a streamlined grant process.
Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains
-The Coronavirus Assistance Fund was created by a group of concerned citizens that will be able to provide financial assistance to local agencies and non-profits that provide such services as food and fuel assistance.
First Community Partnership Foundation of PA
-In partnership with regional United Ways, the COVID-10 United Community Funds have been established to accept contributions from philanthropists to support rapid response and recovery needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in Northcentral Pennsylvania.
Greater Lehigh Valley COVID-19 Community Response Fund
-Aims to strengthen safety-net services for community members who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.
Greater Pike Community Foundation
-Established the Greater Pike COVID Relief Fund, the Milford COVID Relief Fund and Pike County Emergency Services Initiative Fund to address the needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund
-Designed to provide flexible resources to organizations working with the communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
Pocono Mountains United Way
-A coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners has joined together to create the Monroe County Crisis Response Fund that will rapidly deploy flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic consequences of this health crisis.
Schuylkill United Way
-In coordination with many local donors, the Schuylkill COVID-19 Response Fund has been created to support local nonprofit organizations service the most vulnerable neighbors.
Scranton Area Community Foundation
-Critical needs grants are available through the foundation up to $10,000. This funding is separate than the newly formed response fund.
-The Scranton Area Community Foundation has formed a Google Group entitled NEPA Nonprofit Resources
The Luzerne Foundation
-The Luzerne Foundation, along with other philanthropic individuals and business institutions dedicated to improving quality of life across northeastern Pennsylvania, have come together to create the Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. This Fund is a coordinated effort to lessen the damaging effects of the COVID-19 virus on local residents, especially the most vulnerable.
Wayne County Community Foundation
-Created the Emergency Food Relief Fund to assist with emergency food needs in the county, but individuals can also donate through the NEPA COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support other issues related to COVID-19.
Wyoming County United Way
-The COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund is designed to support those impacted by the effects of this unprecedented pandemic.
United Way of Pennsylvania
Focused on mobilizing the caring power of communities and making a difference in people’s lives, the United Way in your area is here to help, click on the links below to find out ways to become involved and support their efforts in addressing your community’s needs.
Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way (Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties)
Pocono Mountains United Way (Monroe County)
United Way of Columbia & Montour County
United Way of Greater Hazleton
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties)
United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
United Way of Pike County, Inc.
United Way of Susquehanna County
United Way of Wyoming Valley (Luzerne County, including the community of Berwick)
Emergency Loan Fund
SBA – Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Nonprofits Facing Losses Related to COVID-19
-Up to $2 million per loan available.
-The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
-Long-term repayments, up to a maximum of 30 years.
Emergency Grant Funding
AllOne Foundation & Charities
-Initiated a significant food security grant program to expedite the distribution of resources to the most in need organizations.
-More information on the upcoming grant opportunity will be shared in the coming weeks.
Central Susquehanna Community Foundation
–The Disaster Relief Fund expects to award 2 rounds of grants over the coming months with specific interest in helping organizations maintain their operations and respond to increased demand from clients.
-First round applications were due on April 9, 2020.
Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains
-The Coronavirus Assistance Fund has been created to provide financial assistance to local agencies and non-profits that provide services such as food and fuel assistance, transportation expense for medical appointments, and assistance with rent and utility expenses.
-More information on the upcoming grant opportunity will be shared in the coming days.
First Community Foundation Partnership of PA
-In partnership with the Lycoming County United Way, Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, and United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties, the COVID-19 United Community Fund, focuses on supporting the most vulnerable, ensuring basic needs for all residents and supporting nonprofit funding streams.
-First round applications were due by April 15, 2020 for nonprofits serving Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and/or Union Counties.
Greater Lehigh Valley COVID-19 Community Response Fund
-Aims to strengthen safety-net services for community members who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.
-First round applications were due by April 8, 2020.
Greater Pike Community Foundation
-Established the Greater Pike COVID Relief Fund and the Milford COVID Relief Fund to address the needs related to the COIVD-19 pandemic
-Grant opportunities will be shared in the coming weeks.
Moses Taylor Foundation
-All current and past grantees are eligible to receive expedited requests for emergency support.
NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund
-Provides flexible resources to organizations working with the Northeastern PA communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
-Rolling Admissions throughout the outbreak recovery phases of the crisis, coordinated through the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Pocono Mountains United Way
-The purpose is to rapidly deploy flexible resources in Monroe County with communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and the economic consequences of this health crisis.
Scranton Area Community Foundation
-Ongoing Critical Needs Grants are available through the foundation as well.
The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
-Emergency grant funding available for the emergency needs of current grantees in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Luzerne Foundation
-The Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is a coordinated effort to lessen the damaging effects of the COVID-19 virus on local residents, especially the most vulnerable.
-Apply through the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund.
Technical Assistance – Training Opportunities
-Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC) will have a limited number of remote access links for access to Candid (formerly the Foundation Center). Contact Kurt (kbauman@nepa-alliance.org ) and Athena (aaardweg@nepa-alliance.org).
-Pittsburgh Foundation Nonprofit Webinar Series
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Summary
–Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act CARES Act, by the National Council on Nonprofits
–Nonprofits Can Survive These Times- And Even Prosper, by the Fundraising Effectiveness Project
–Nonprofit Center Webinar Collections, by the Nonprofit Center at Lasalle
–H.R. 6201: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Webinar and Summary Notes, by Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations
–What Nonprofits Should Know About the $2.2 Trillion Federal Covod-19 Aid , by the Chronicle of Philanthropy
ESRI Demographic Maps by County
-ESRI County Demographic Profiles with real time data for various indicators. Insert county name in the search bar.
Communications with clients and other nonprofit service providers:
–NEPA PA 211/NE: Nonprofits are updating changes to hours and food supplies daily. To provide updates contact PA 211/NE line by contacting Tom Foley at tfoley@fsanepa.org or 570-829-1341
–Neighborly: A one-stop, accessible web-enabled network of social, human, and health services available in our community to both individuals and organizations that aims to make finding local resources easier. Click here to find a resource.
–Discover NEPA: Through their regional platform, nonprofits can make your nonprofit/community announcements or updates in regard to cancellations, postponements, call for donations/volunteer or any other immediate changes known asap. To ensure updates occur, message their FaceBook account or send an email to Hello@discovernepa.com.
Please contact us should you have any additional needs or suggestions as we continue to share information and address each new challenge.
Kurt Bauman, Executive Director
kbauman@nepa-alliance.org
570-891-4665
Athena Aardweg, Community Services Manager
Aaardweg@nepa-alliance.org
570-891-4662