Starke County Community Foundation Receives COVID-19 Relief Grant
Hot meals and boxes of groceries and supplies are being delivered to Starke County’s elderly and families affected by layoffs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the Starke County Community Foundation (SCCF) working in conjunction with the United Way, a rapid response was possible in this time of crisis.
The $125,000 United Way COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative grant was available to the community because the SCCF is a member of the Indiana Association of United Ways. The SCCF holds the Starke United Fund which allows for United Way donations, employer giving programs and grant making opportunities for the community. Starke County is also eligible to receive grant opportunities available only through United Way.
The purpose of the grant is to rapidly disburse funds into local communities to provide food, emergency, and other critical services. The Community Foundation established the Starke County Emergency Relief Fund to accept the grant and to allow donors to join in the relief effort.
Through the Relief Fund and the United Way grant, the SCCF provided $100,000 to the Starke County Government Mobile Food Delivery Program. The SCCF is partnering with the Starke County Board of Commissioners to provide this program which delivers free meals and supplies to those in Starke County who need assistance, who are quarantined, or need a helping hand during the pandemic. Meals and groceries are being purchased from area restaurants and grocery stores, helping to keep local businesses open and employees working.
The remainder of the grant is available to local charitable agencies who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak or have seen their need for services increase. Grant applications are available at nicf.org under the Starke County Grant page.
Donations are accepted and welcomed for the Relief Fund and the programs it supports. Online donations can be made at nicf.org by selecting the Starke County Emergency Relief Fund. Add “Food Delivery” in the comment section if the donation is to be directed to the Food Delivery Program. Donations by check can be made through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation (NICF) of which the SCCF is a fund affiliate. Make checks out to the NICF with a memo line entry of the SC Emergency Relief Fund also state “Food Delivery” if the donation is to be directed to that initiative. Mail donation to the NICF at P.O. Box 807, Rochester, IN 46975.