Quick Response Fund Gives Another $50,000 to Hard-Hit Nonprofits

EC Community Foundation, United Way collaboration still seeks donations

Volunteers pack emergency food distribution boxes at Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire. (Source: Facebook)
Volunteers pack emergency food distribution boxes at Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire. (Source: Facebook)

The grant money continues to roll in – and out! – for Chippewa Valley nonprofits that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In just three weeks, The Quick Response Community Fund, which was established by the Eau Claire Community Foundation and the United Way of the Greater Eau Claire Area, has doled out $223,850 to more than 30 nonprofit groups in the region.

In its just-concluded third week of operation, the fund issued more than $50,000 to 11 Chippewa Valley nonprofits, including:

  • Bolton Refuge House
  • Boys & Girls Club Greater Chippewa Valley – Mary Markquart Center
  • Catholic Charities
  • Chippewa Valley Health (Free) Clinic
  • Eau Claire Area Hmong Mutual Assistance Association
  • Family Promise of the Chippewa Valley
  • Feed My People Food Bank
  • Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation
  • Hope Gospel Mission
  • HSHS Sacred Heart Foundation
  • L.E. Phillips Senior Center
  • L.E. Phillips Career Development Center
  • Lutheran Social Services
  • The Community Table
  • Trinity Equestrian Center
  • School District of Altoona
  • Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council

“While the amount granted so far is impressive, local nonprofits still have many urgent needs,” the Eau Clare Community Foundation said in a media release. “That’s why the Quick Response Community Fund will continue to issue new grants each week. Interested organizations can apply online at the Eau Claire Community Foundation website. By issuing grants on a rolling basis, the fund aims to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving community needs.”

And gifts made to the fund are currently being counted toward a challenge grant: Royal Credit Union, the Dick and Marlene Cable Family Fund, the Larson Family Fund, and two anonymous donors announced earlier this month that they would match $50,000 raised by the community with another $50,000, bringing in a total of $100,000 for nonprofits in need.

The Eau Claire Community Foundation is covering the fund’s administration fees, which means that 100% of each donor’s gift goes directly to grant recipients.

“We appreciate the vital collaboration with the Eau Claire Community Foundation in service to our community members and nonprofit partners,” said Karen Hebert, interim director of the United Way of the Greater Eau Claire Area. “United Way has always existed for the common good – adding value to individual effort with leadership, wisdom and focus. The Foundation and United Way share fundamental values. These values drive our work and offer the community a trustworthy path to giving.”

Read the full announcement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 17, 2020

THE EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION & UNITED WAY
OF THE GREATER CHIPPEWA VALLEY ANNOUNCE $223,850 AWARDED TO AREA NONPROFITS SO FAR!

[EAU CLAIRE, WI] Through the generosity of many donors, community partners, and Pablo Foundation Inc., $223,850 has been awarded to more than 30 area nonprofits in just three weeks of granting from the Quick Response Community Fund.

The Quick Response Community Fund, established by the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) and United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV) rapidly deploys financial resources to Eau Claire area nonprofits that serve community members disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and its economic consequences. It also supports urgent operational needs.

Over $50,000 was awarded to eleven area nonprofits in the third week of granting. For a complete list of grantees, visit the ECCF website’s News Tab.

While the amount granted so far is impressive, local nonprofits still have many urgent needs. That’s why the Quick Response Community Fund will continue to issue new grants each week. Interested organizations can apply online at the Eau Claire Community Foundation website. By issuing grants on a rolling basis, the Fund aims to move resources quickly and adapt to evolving community needs.

Gifts to the Fund play a vital role in continuing this much-needed support. To encourage donations from the community, Royal Credit Union, the Dick and Marlene Cable Family Fund, the Larson Family Fund, and two anonymous donors are challenging our community to raise $50,000, which they will match. This challenge will generate another $100,000 for area nonprofits!

Because ECCF is covering administrative fees, 100% of donations will support local nonprofits. If you would like to make a gift, please visit www.eccfwi.org.

"We appreciate the vital collaboration with the Eau Claire Community Foundation in service to our community members and nonprofit partners. United Way has always existed for the common good - adding value to individual effort with leadership, wisdom and focus. The Foundation and United Way share fundamental values. These values drive our work and offer the community a trustworthy path to giving," explained Karen Hebert, Interim Director of UWGCV.

“Our thoughts are with those individuals, families, organizations and businesses most affected,” said Sue Bornick, Executive Director of ECCF. “Despite the uncertainly we are all facing, we embrace the fact that we live in a caring and compassionate community where good continually grows. We will continue to navigate this unprecedented time together and be stronger for all we have endured.”

Eau Claire Community Foundation strengthens our community by offering donors opportunities to establish charitable legacies, by making grants, and by serving as a catalyst to address community needs. www.eccfwi.org

United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley fights for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community we serve. www.uwgcv.org