By: Juli Metzger—
Muncie, IN– United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties is pleased to announce that it has received a $1.1 million COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant. The grant was made possible through a partnership between Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Indiana United Ways, the state professional association of which United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph County is a member. These funds will be used to invest in long-term economic recovery and resiliency efforts by supporting human and social service nonprofits across Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties.
It is because of dedicated supporters that United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties has already swiftly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by granting nearly $88,000 to community nonprofits that serve working struggling families hardest hit by the pandemic. This funding has helped support emergent needs such as food distribution, childcare, utility and rent assistance, support for shelters and treatment centers, personal protective equipment, and support for remote learning. Thanks to supporters, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties is poised to pivot its response toward longer-term recovery.
“United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties has played a critical role in our community for decades. Even before this crisis, we knew nearly half of families in our tri-county area were not able to make ends meet. Without a robust local nonprofit safety net, those needs will become even more dire. Thanks to generous support from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., we are now more strongly positioned to help our community’s nonprofits deal with the immediate impacts of COVID-19,” said Kevin Woehler, Board Chair for United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties.
Throughout the state, United Ways receiving funds from COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grantwill leverage partnerships and relationships to better meet COVID-related essential and basic needs. Specifically, United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties plans to work closely with local foundations, community and economic development representatives, and other key leaders to convene a committee with representation from each of its three counties to determine needs and provide grant-making recommendations. United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties will begin accepting funding requests from local nonprofits soon. Funds will be distributed by county on a per capita basis in phases. Interested organizations should consult InvitedToLiveUnited.org/covid19 for funding updates. As always, grant-seekers are advised to discuss their funding needs with Director of Impact Jim Flatford prior to applying. Flatford will provide guidance on funding intent and application instructions. He can be reached at jflatford@uwdcin.org or by calling 765-288-5586 extension 303.
About United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties
United Way of Delaware, Henry and Randolph Counties fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Using community input, the non-profit crafts local impact plans that work to end generational poverty. Learn more at InvitedToLiveUnited.org.
Lilly Endowment Inc., is a private philanthropic foundation supporting the causes of religion, education and community development focusing its work in Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. For more information, contact Judith Cebula, Communications Director at communications@lei.org.
