March 19, 2020 – The Community Foundation of Macon County has activated a Macon County Emergency Response Fund due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the Foundation’s board of directors committing $100,000 to the fund.
“The economic impact is already being felt in Macon County, and more needs will certainly arise in the weeks and months ahead. As community supporters, we believe our primary role and responsibility is to ensure community members are cared for during this time of uncertainty” said Natalie Beck, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.
The Community Foundation of Macon County is working with United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois as well as Macon County mayors to identify the most pressing needs. Grants will be administered from the Macon County Emergency Community Response Fund on an ongoing basis while fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery of this crisis. This makes it possible to move resources quickly and to adapt to needs as they evolve. The Fund is designed to complement the work of nonprofit organizations within our community and to expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.
While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it will fund community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. For those looking for individual resources, please consider contacting 211. This Fund was not created to be the only vehicle resourcing critical community activities during this outbreak. Rather, it is working to facilitate getting more targeted resources into our community where it’s needed most.
The first two grants from the Fund will support Northeast Community Fund located in Decatur and the Blue Mound Inter-Church Council Food Pantry serving the communities of Blue Mound, Macon and Boody. CFMC’s Board of Trustees executive committee will oversee the distribution of money raised.
To donate to the Fund, visit maconcountygives.org. Donations of any size, from individuals, corporations or foundations are currently being accepted.
