Since the onset of COVID-19, people across southwest Washington have joined together to show that in times of great need, we respond by giving.
We’re not alone in this effort. Across the state, generous people and organizations are stepping up to provide support and relief with their time, talents and treasure. The Community Foundation has joined dozens of local philanthropic partners, businesses and nonprofits across the state to kick off the All In WA campaign, a statewide relief effort responding to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
To mark the occasion and show local support, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Community Foundation board member, Mark Matthias, raised one of six official All In WA flags being flown across the state on May 27th.
All In WA was launched to fill the gaps in government funding for workers and families acutely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The statewide campaign launched May 27, 2020 with $20 million in commitments and a goal of $65 million to be met in the coming months.
Locally, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington has designated its SW Washington COVID Response Fund as a hub for charitable contributions. Launched in March, more than 117 grants, totaling more than $4.5 million, have helped strengthen the efforts of local nonprofits serving those most affected by the pandemic in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties.
Those who donate specifically to the Southwest Washington COVID Response Fund will see their gifts doubled, thanks to a $500,000 challenge match from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund. To make a donation to the All In WA fund, or community and cause-specific funds across Washington, visit allinwa.org. Those who donate to the statewide pool will see their money spread across the state.
Launching the local fundraising efforts for All in WA, Columbia Credit Union has committed $100,000 to the SW Washington COVID Response Fund. The contribution will mobilize up to $300,000 in local relief thanks to two matching gifts—a challenge match provided by the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund ($100,000) and eligibility toward additional matching dollars provided though the All In WA campaign (up to $100,000).
Washington was at the forefront of managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., and it will remain there as we learn how to best support our communities and restart our economy in a safe and sustainable way. By responding together, we can emerge a stronger, more equitable place to live.
You can help us get there Go “all in” by supporting our most vulnerable neighbors with a donation to the COVID Response Fund today.
Tune in for the All In WA Benefit Concert
A virtual benefit concert for the campaign will stream at 7 p.m. on June 24, at allinwa.org, on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel and on digital sub-channel 8.2 KGW Justice Network. The lineup includes Pearl Jam, Macklemore, Brandi Carlile, Ciara, The Black Tones, Dave Matthews, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Mary Lambert, Ben Gibbard, Allen Stone, and The Head and the Heart. There will also be guest appearances by Russel Wilson, Pete Carroll, Courteney Cox, Ken Griffey Jr., Joel McHale, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Bill Nye The Science Guy, Rainn Wilson and others.
About the SW Washington COVID Response Fund
Managed by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, this fund is providing flexible financial support to trusted nonprofit partners across our region who are responding to increasing needs as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Grants are intended to sustain and develop vital community services for residents who stand to lose the most from this unfolding emergency. Our staff has identified the need for grants to organizations seeking assistance with or providing the following support:
- Housing stability efforts, services for people facing homelessness, physical and behavioral healthcare, emergency food programs and childcare support
- Community service delivery barriers, particularly around volunteer recruitment, retention and safety, and contingency planning
- Health and safety measures that range from basic cleaning and healthcare supplies to technology solutions for day-to-day operations
COVID Response Funding Partners
Apex Foundation, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, Columbia Bank, Columbia Credit Union, Corwin Family Fund, Cowlitz Education and Arts Fund, Norman C. Danielson Charitable Fund, Leslie Durst, Firstenburg Foundation, Donald and Margaret Fuesler Foundation, Goodwin Family Charitable Fund, Hansen Family Fund, Hatton GIBO Charitable Fund, Lee and Connie Kearney,Lematta Family, Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, David and Patricia Nierenberg, Mason E. Nolan Charitable Fund, Joe Pauletto Jr. Charitable Fund, Perigee Fund, Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health, Wells Fargo Bank, Umpqua Bank and many other generous contributors.