United Way of Southeastern Connecticut has joined together with the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut to collaborate on the newly established Neighbors for Neighbors Fund. We are working together with a cross-section of individuals, private foundations, and other partners to get flexible resources out to local agencies and nonprofit organizations that are working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus.
Lately, we have all been reminded of our most basic shared value. We know that all of us depend on each other for a healthy community. Our hearts and commitment go out to everyone, especially those who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
Together, we will get through this and thrive as a region again.
The Community Foundation and United Way will jointly administer requests for funding. Given the dynamic nature of this moment, requests for funding will be considered and released in phases. The Fund will begin distributing grants as soon as possible.
To donate now, click the 'donate' button at right and select Neighbors for Neighbors Fund in the drop-down menu.
HOW TO VOLUNTEER
If you are interested in volunteer activities during this time whether it’s at our Food Bank warehouse or one of our partner programs, please contact Lindsay, at Lindsay.poulos@uwsect.org.
WHAT IS NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS?
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut have joined together to create the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund. We are working with the support of a cross-section of individuals, private foundations and corporations, and others to get flexible resources out to community-based organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak.
The new fund is designed to be flexible and nimble in supporting the work of these organizations in meeting the basic needs of residents of Eastern Connecticut, especially the most vulnerable populations. We intend to complement the work of federal, state and municipal government relief efforts, to identify and fill gaps, and to expand local capacity to address all aspects of the crisis, as effectively and efficiently as possible.
The fund’s resources initially will be directed to organizations providing direct assistance to high need, vulnerable populations - including low-income individuals, residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days; communities of color, and persons with disabilities, among others - to address immediate basic needs such as healthcare, food, shelter, childcare and other supports to ensure stability and well-being.
We know nonprofit agencies will face financial disruption so as resources allow, the Fund may also provide operating support to nonprofit organizations that are meeting community needs resulting from COVID-19.
NEIGHBORS FOR NEIGHBORS FUNDING PARTNERS
We recognize and thank our generous funding partners, as well as many local residents who have shown their love for their neighbors and community by giving to this Fund. They will be listed on our website on a rolling basis.
- Thank you to our lead donor, Ørsted, for their generosity!
HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE
My organization is interested in resources from this Fund. Can we be considered?
The Community Foundation and the United Ways will jointly administer requests for funding. Given the dynamic nature of this moment, requests for funding will be considered and released in phases. The Fund will begin distributing grants as soon as possible.
Funding will be available for 501c3 nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive tax-deductible contributions, such as schools, faith-based organizations serving community needs, and other public entities based in or serving residents of the Community Foundation's 42-town foot print in New London County and Windham/Tolland Counties.
Requests for funding will be reviewed by a joint committee convened by the Community Foundation of Eastern CT, United Way of Southeastern CT and United Way of Central and Northeastern CT. Each of these partners have a longstanding community knowledge base and networks of partners in their region. The initial Request for Proposals (RFP) and first phase of funding is anticipated to take place in May.
Future rounds of funding will be determined by our ongoing ability to attract gifts to the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund.
I’m an individual or a member of a family who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund help me?
While the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund is not able to provide grants directly to individuals or families, Statewide Connecticut United Ways are in partnership on a fund to assist individuals, particularly, the ALICE population. Click here to learn more about the statewide fund.
The Connecticut United Ways Statewide COVID-19 Response Fund is working in tandem with other philanthropic efforts being coordinated statewide. It will rapidly deploy financial resources to individuals and families economically affected by the pandemic, including those who are out of work or have reduced work hours. The Statewide Fund will identify the priority population who will be eligible for assistance.
Connecticut United Ways hope to mobilize a response quickly to get money to individuals who most need it to pay for food, utilities, and other basic necessities. As this pandemic continues to evolve, so too will the needs of our community. This Statewide Fund will allow for flexibility in meeting those needs.
For additional assistance
We encourage all residents to closely monitor updates and review valuable health and safety resources from the State of Connecticut and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well as their local health departments. The State of Connecticut has partnered with United Way of Connecticut to launch an information hotline for questions from the public regarding issues related to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). People who have questions can call 2-1-1 or text “CTCOVID” to 898211.PPLY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I give to the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund and/or the Connecticut United Ways Statewide Response Fund instead of making other donations?
The Funds were not created to be the only vehicle resourcing critical community activities during this outbreak. If they align priorities align with your interests, we hope you will consider making a donation.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut works all year long to fight hunger and food insecurity, support local health and human services, and provide a vital safety net of services for those in need.
Our Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Bank has been particularly stretched during this challenging time to help meet the increasing demand for food. You can choose to make a donation directed to the Food Bank by clicking on the 'donate' button at right and select the Food Bank in the drop-down menu.
If you are an individual or family, Connecticut United Ways have joined forces to provide support directly to those in need, and not through an agency program. Please click here to learn more about the Connecticut United Ways COVID-19 Response Fund.
When will you share who you fund?
For the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund, requests for funding will be reviewed by a joint committee convened by the Community Foundation of Eastern CT, United Way of Southeastern CT and United Way of Central and Northeastern CT. The initial Request for Proposals (RFP) and first phase of funding is anticipated to take place in May.
Future rounds of funding will be determined by our ongoing ability to attract gifts to the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund. As we begin to award grants, we will post them on this website, as well as the generous donors who help make it possible.
