Community Foundation of Elkhart County Launches COVID-19 Response Fund

A message from Pete McCown, president of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County - Released March 16, 2020

At the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, we take the threat of the coronavirus very seriously. From the possibility of widespread infection to the economic effects, we realize the layers of negative impact this pandemic can have on all aspects of the Elkhart County community. Our priority is to keep our team and their families safe while we support our partners and community.

We will keep monitoring the situation and will share additional updates in the event we need to take further action. Meanwhile, we encourage you to contribute to local nonprofits that are experiencing interruptions to their services and those that support our community and residents in time of need. Our strong network of nonprofits is poised to respond to this global pandemic that’s having a deep local impact.

Our Disaster Relief Fund was created in response to the Nappanee tornadoes and again used to help respond to widespread flooding in 2018. It will be deployed in the coming weeks and months to respond to needs that arise from this outbreak. This is a scenario we never imagined and this fund will help us respond. Contributions to this fund can be made by check or via our website by noting “Disaster Relief Fund” in the subject line or as you give online.

The Community Foundation is also fully prepared to continue to serve, support, and advise our donors and provide grant support to our communities, even as it becomes necessary to limit staff presence within our physical office space. Our staff will work to continue to support your philanthropic needs.

We are taking the following precautions to do our part to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

• Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, the Community Foundation team will operate with a mix of personnel in the office and working remotely. Our main number, 574.295.8761, will be answered as normal from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. All staff will remain accessible via email and phone.
• In accordance with the recommendation from the Center for Disease Control, all our planned public events through the middle of May will be canceled. This includes our 2020 Nonprofit Leadership Retreat, and The Learning Center event on May 28, and other events.

From all of us at the Community Foundation, we hope you stay safe and exercise caution. Reach out to friends, neighbors and family – staying connected in times of uncertainty matters most. Thank you for your understanding, and we will keep you updated as changes occur.

Follow updates from the Center for Disease Control here and the Indiana Department of Health here.