IBX News

In response to the needs of the nonprofit community that have arisen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Community Foundation created a new support fund.

The North Carolina Healing Communities Fund's main focus is nonprofits in underserved regions that have been affected by the virus and not able to easily secure other financial assistance, a news release on the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers said on July 10. These groups include lower-income communities, communities of color, rural communities and communities where English is not the primary language.

"Because of our experience in disaster relief and recovery in the aftermath of hurricanes, partners and donors have called upon us to activate philanthropy to address COVID‐19’s impact on our state," Jennifer Tolle Whiteside, NCCF CEO and president, said to North Carolina Network of Grantmakers. "Our statewide network of affiliate foundations positions us well  to respond to this widespread public health crisis in a way that ensures  that the voices of smaller communities are heard in decision making."

As nonprofits are where communities turn in times of disaster, Leslie Ann Jackson, NCCF vice president of community investment and engagement, told the said in the release that restoring the nonprofit sector is a critical need, especially in vulnerable communities.

An NCCF advisory committee made up of representatives from the nonprofit sector, health and human services, and rural and faith communities will make recommendations for grants.