County, and Allison Barbour, Executive Director with United Way, teamed up to launch a philanthropic fund specific to response efforts in Snohomish County. They requested that the Health District join as a partner, as well as Snohomish County. We will be part of the “steering committee” to rapidly direct funds where needed to help defray and mitigate community impacts.
Community Foundation and United Way will take point on the fundraising. 100% of all contributions go directly to programs and services receiving funding. Costs associated with fund administration will be donated by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County.
There is no financial commitment for the Health District, other than staff time for Nicole Thomsen as the lead, and Heather as a back-up, to participate in the funding meetings.
On Monday, March 16, the four agency partners, Community Foundation of Snohomish County, Snohomish County, United Way, and the Snohomish Health District, telephonically met to allocate first grants from the fund. At that time $263,000 has been donated to the fund. The focus of the first round of funding was on immediate, safety-net services to families, seniors and individuals. Prioritized funding is to nonprofits with strong relationships, a proven track record, and geographic disbursement. A total of $250,000 was awarded.
- Arlington Community Resource Center (VOA) – $25,000
- Community Resource Center of Stanwood-Camano – $25,000
- Homage Senior Services – $25,000
- North Counties’ Family Services, Darrington, – $25,000
- Sultan Family Support Center (VOA) – $25,000
- Take the Next Step, Monroe – $25,000
Pending grant commitments were made for South County services ($25,000), support for communities of color ($25,000) and Snohomish Health District ($50,000). First round funding announcement is available at https://www.cf-sc.org/coronavirus-response-fund/grants-funded/.
Grants awarded are to be flexibly used in responding the coronavirus. Proactive fundraising continues. Additional granting to the community will be made as funds are available with 20% set aside for Snohomish Health District and 80% towards safety-net services.
All individual donations to this fund will be collected on the Coronavirus Response Fund donation page of our website at https://www.cf-sc.org/coronavirus-response-fund/.