Thank you to our generous community that contributed to kickstart our community’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund catalyzed philanthropy in our region and immediately supported our neighbors in need through the work of effective nonprofits. The fund was intentionally designed to be responsive, swift and flexible, addressing the immediate needs of our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families. The rapid response from donors throughout our community allowed that to happen. Thank you!

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How did the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund start?

The Regional Response Fund’s tremendous success and great impact was launched with initial contributions from key funders such as bi3; Charles H. Dater Foundation; Deaconess Associations Foundation; Fifth Third Foundation; First Financial Bank; Hearst Foundations; Humana Foundation; The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation; Procter & Gamble; Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee; Skyline Chili; Scripps Howard Foundation; and Western & Southern Financial Group; and the entire community of foundations, companies and individuals. An anonymous donor and Impact 100 Cincinnati later matched donor contributions to inspire the community to give. In addition to our funding partners, over 1,000 individuals in our community donated as a result of this effort.

 

In addition, the Fund received community support from the following: CET, Cincinnati Children's, Cincinnati Art Museum,The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Magazine, Deloitte, Devou Good Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, Farmer Family Foundation, The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, The Andrew Jergens Foundation, Key Bank, Ohio National Financial Services, The Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation, L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation, The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation, Rosenthal Family Foundation, The Standard Charitable Foundation, Truist Foundation, TQL Foundation, WCPO, Zalla Media.

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Was the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund successful? 

The COVID-19 Regional Response Fund raised $7.2 million after setting a $5 million goal. All the money will be distributed to the community. Generous donors supported more than 200 nonprofits so far, focused on those helping with basic needs such as food, shelter, childcare and senior services. Here’s a complete list of the organizations supported by the fund.

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What impact did this effort have?

The collective generosity of our Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky community has made a tremendous impact. Donations helped more than 200 organizations fulfilling front-line response efforts to immediate needs arising from the pandemic. From childcare for emergency responders to emergency shelter for domestic violence victims to emergency meals for seniors, donations to the fund helped hundreds of thousands of our neighbors, resulting in many examples of the Fund’s impact.

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What if I want to support those affected by COVID-19 – where can I donate?

COVID-19 recovery and revitalization will continue to be a long-term effort. Both Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati are implementing additional strategies to support our region.
 

United Way announced a long-term response, recovery and revitalization effort aimed at supporting not only United Way social service agencies, but diverse non-traditional, faith-based and community-based agencies assisting Greater Cincinnati families with recovery and revitalization efforts. To donate to United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s COVID-19 long-term response, recovery and revitalization efforts, please text U4C to 71777 or visit uwgc.org/covid-19.

Greater Cincinnati Foundation continues to be all-in, more now than ever, to ensure an equitable evolution from the pandemic, specifically for our black community that has been hit especially hard. Grantmaking initiatives will provide nonprofit support as it relates to COVID-19 and work to redesign systems to shape a new reality where we all can thrive. To learn about ways to partner or contribute, visit www.gcfdn.org.

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My nonprofit organization still has needs related to COVID-19. Where do we turn?

Organizations seeking help with emerging or ongoing COVID-19 related needs can submit requests to COVID-19@uwgc.org. United Way of Greater Cincinnati constantly assesses emerging and long-term COVID-19 community needs and strategically allocates funding and other resources to meet those needs. Resources will remain fluid as community needs and challenges evolve. 

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Will help be distributed in an equitable manner to a diverse group of organizations?

Both organizations have deep community roots and outreach. All requests were and will be considered with a lens of equity and a goal of ensuring diverse populations are served. The broad list of nonprofits served so far is extremely diverse.

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I’m an individual impacted by COVID. How can I receive support I need?
While the Fund did not provide grants to individuals and focused on community-based organizations with experience and history of providing individuals and families with services and support, United Way of Greater Cincinnati does plan some targeted, direct relief going forward. Please call 211 to receive information on COVID-19 related resources.​