Giving together to strengthen community health, economic vitality and nonprofit capacity.

About the SW Washington COVID Response Fund

Healthy communities support one another through crisis, and the Community Foundation plays a central role in this work. We launched the Southwest Washington COVID Response Fund in early 2020 to provide a way for residents, businesses and funders to support local nonprofit relief efforts. Since then, we’ve collectively delivered more than $5 million in rapid-response grants.

Our response matters.

It is not the moment, but how we react that defines us. This fund is an example of what we can accomplish by giving together for the common good. With your support we are ensuring that those hit hardest can bounce back and thrive. We are showing how southwest Washington responds.

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To shape a just recovery, grants will fund vital services and supports that allow those most affected by the pandemic to rebuild and reimagine their lives, livelihoods and communities. Review our grants page below for more specifics.

 

Funding Partners

Early funding partners include the Apex Foundation, Columbia Credit Union, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, Corwin Family Fund, Cowlitz Education and Arts 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

My organization is interested in resources from this fund. Can we be considered?
We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancelations, as well as other challenges. To reduce the burden on organizations like yours, we are not opening a formal application process or requiring grant reports currently.
How are grantee organizations identified and selected?
A grant committee comprised of diverse community leaders and Community Foundation staff selects grantees. This committee follows local developments daily and relies on an extensive network of community partners and public officials for on-the-ground information and perspectives. They select grantees using an equity lens, awarding grants to communities most impacted by the pandemic.
I’m an individual affected by COVID-19. Can this fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already, and more will continue to be affected. On behalf of the fund’s partners, the Community Foundation is working to move resources to nonprofit organizations that directly support area residents and families most affected by the emerging health, economic and social impacts. While the fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding nonprofit organizations that provide people and families with services and support. As we continue to award grants, we will post them here. Please check back for a list of the organizations that may be able to assist you. If you are looking for resources now, please consider 211 or your county health or human services departments.
I want to donate. Can I write a check or gift other assets such as stocks?
Yes. Checks noted for the fund can be sent to: Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, 610 Esther Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, WA 98660. Please include “COVID-19 Response Fund” in the memo line. If you would like to contribute a gift of stock or other assets, please contact Pam Cabanatuan at [email protected] or 360.952.4304. All gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.
Can I restrict my donation to a prioritized grantee?
To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations at this time. The SW Washington COVID Response Fund was created in hopes of providing a way to coordinate as many resources as possible.
Should I give to this fund instead of making other donations?
This fund was not created to be the only vehicle for getting needed resources into the community, but to help facilitate getting more targeted resources into the community. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Nonprofits are going to have an increased need for unrestricted funds immediately and long after this crisis subside. Now is the time to double down for our community.
Who is eligible to receive funding?
Based upon the charitable structure of the SW Washington COVID Response Fund, our grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools, faith-based organizations, and other public entities. We are not able to fund individuals or businesses directly, labor unions, or other 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) organizations.
Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund?
The SW Washington COVID Response Fund will prioritize nonprofit organizations that reside or operate programs in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties.
What organizations have you funded?
We publish a comprehensive list of grantees online as grants are awarded, including the award amount. You can find a link under the Grants heading included above.
Are you collecting administrative fees on gifts made to the fund?
No. One-hundred percent of each donation, minus credit card fees if applicable, will be sent to local nonprofits in the form of rapid-response grants.