The COVID-19 pandemic has the world navigating unprecedented waters. Millions of people are self-quarantined at home and reading more news than usual. But, between the news updates, there are stories that share small ways in which people are showing up for one another.
If looking for a way to spread hope, and perhaps ease a heavy heart, there are several ways to help.
Many organizations are directly involved with COVID-19 relief, but emergency response and health care organizations aren’t the only nonprofits that need support. The coronavirus pandemic is causing unusual struggles for everyone and all nonprofit organizations are still working hard to make a positive impact on their unique missions.
The COVID-19 Response Fund was formed by the The United Way of Greater Nashville to quickly and effectively address the health and economic challenges of this virus and to address the health and economic impact on neighbors. Nashville Mayor John Cooper convened a group of government, business and philanthropic partners to form a COVID-19 Response Fund, which is rapidly deploying resources to community-based organizations, and getting the money to where it is needed most.
At the time this article was written, the fund had raised almost 4 million. Corporations, local foundations (such as the Nashville Predators Foundation) and local members of the community are to thank for their generous donations. Donations now are decreasing and the need is growing. Some of the funding agencies have thousands of people on wait lists to receive help. People need basics: rent, groceries and childcare to survive, or work themselves.
“As long as we can continue to raise more funds, United Way will continue to serve the community and distribute funding to the agencies on the ground helping our neighbors in need,” says Brian Hassett, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Nashville. “Now more than ever, we need those who have the ability to help others to step up and give whatever they can.”
To make a donation, visit NashvilleResponseFund.com or text NashvilleUnited to 41444; 100% of the fund goes to nonprofits to help individuals impacted by Covid-19.
Organizations that received the fund's grants include, but are not limited to:
1. AGAPE Nashville
2. Aphesis House
3. Bethlehem Centers of Nashville
4. Book'em
5. Branches Counseling Center
6. Catholic Charites of Tennessee
7. Community Care Fellowship
8. Community Housing Partnership of Williamson County
9. Conexión Américas
10. Gideon's Army Grassroots Army for Children
11. Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee
12. Greater Faith Community Action Corporation
13. Healing Housing, Inc.
14. High Hopes Development Center
15. Inspiritu
16. Martha O'Bryan Center
17. Nashville General Hospital
18. Nashville General Hospital Foundation
19. Nashville Launch Pad
20. NeedLink Nashville
21. New Restoration Community Church
22. Open Table Nashville
23. PENCIL
24. Project Return
25. RoofTop Foundation
26. Servant Group International
27. Sexual Assault Center
28. Shower The People
29. Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee
30. Tennessee Justice Center
31. The Branch of Nashville
32. The Bridge Ministry, Inc
33. The HELP Center
34. The Little Pantry that Could
35. The Next Door
36. The Path Project, Inc.
37. The Salvation Army-Nashville Area
38. The Well Outreach
39. TNKids Nutrition, Inc.
40. United Ministries Food Bank of Robertson County
41. Urban League
42. Walk Bike Nashville
43. Welcome Home Ministries
44. Youth Encouragement Services, Inc.