A new umbrella organization of eight of the Chippewa Valley’s most prominent nonprofit groups has formed to undertake a fundraising campaign to address the fallout of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The coalition, called Together Chippewa Valley, was announced in a press release April 2. “Out of respect for individuals, businesses, and other organizations that are being severely impacted in various ways, and acknowledging many want to help, nonprofit organizations in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have come together in solidarity to create one fundraising campaign that will provide essential financial support during this economic crisis,” the announcement said.

The new coalition’s initial membership included the Pablo Center at the Confluence, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley, the Chippewa Valley Museum, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, the Eau Claire County Humane Association, the Family Resource Center, and Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. Collectively, the organizations say, they serve nearly 200,000 people annually and employ 249 workers.

On April 9, additional nonprofits were announced as part of the group, including Bob’s House for Dogs, The Community Table, Chippewa Humane Association, Fierce Freedom, Sculpture Tour of Eau Claire, UCP Western Wisconsin, and  YMCA of the Chippewa Valley. In just its first few days, Together Chippewa Valley said, donations have already exceeded $7,000.

“Nonprofits’ facilities have been closed, events and programs canceled, fundraisers postponed or canceled, and expenses incurred to work remotely while these groups have continued to serve the community and their missions,” the announcement stated. “Like so many, these organizations are concerned that they may not be able to provide the high standard of services to the community that will be needed when COVID-19 finally retreats.Together Chippewa Valley will work as one so the Chippewa Valley’s nonprofits can survive this crisis.”

Together Chippewa Valley is accepting donations online at www.togetherchippewavalley.org. Donations may also be made by mail: Checks should be made payable to Visit Eau Claire Foundation (fiscal sponsor of Together Chippewa Valley) and mailed to Visit Eau Claire Foundation c/o Together Chippewa Valley, 128 Graham Ave. No. 234, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Read the full coalition announcement here:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
hello@togetherchippewavalley.org
togetherchippewavalley.org

ANNOUNCING TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY

Coalition of nonprofits formed to address community needs

(April 2, 2020 - EAU CLAIRE, WIS) Today, a new nonprofit coalition, Together Chippewa Valley, is being announced to the public. Together Chippewa Valley is a coalition of nonprofits forming to coordinate a response effort to address community needs during the COVID-19 crisis, to raise funds through a first-of-its-kind community-wide fundraising initiative, support each other’s missions, to survive, and to thrive.

Out of respect for individuals, businesses, and other organizations that are being severely impacted in various ways, and acknowledging many want to help, nonprofit organizations in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties have come together in solidarity to create one fundraising campaign that will provide essential financial support during this economic crisis.

Just as it is important that the communities’ businesses and other vital organizations survive this critical time, nonprofit organizations that provide crucial services in our communities are doing all they can to remain strong and sustain themselves in order to continue serving those who rely on them. The financial and social costs of COVID-19 are extensive, and they will continue to mount. Nonprofits’ facilities have been closed, events and programs canceled, fundraisers postponed or canceled, and expenses incurred to work remotely while these groups have continued to serve the community and their missions. Like so many, these organizations are concerned that they may not be able to provide the high standard of services to the community that will be needed when COVID-19 finally retreats.Together Chippewa Valley will work as one so the Chippewa Valley’s nonprofits can survive this crisis.

Together, they can can bring arts and social play back to our communities. Together, they can care for and nurture animals and children. Together, they can inspire all people to stay healthy and active. Together, with the help of community support, local nonprofits will remain active in our communities.

TOGETHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
Together Chippewa Valley is launching one community campaign to raise funds during this challenging time. All money raised will be equally divided between the nonprofits in the coalition to be used for program and operating expenses as well as to offset losses incurred from COVID-19.
Donors choosing to support the cause can make a gift online through our website or by mailing a check:

Online (Credit Card)
1. Visit www.togetherchippewavalley.org
2. Choose “Make a Gift”

Mail (Check)
1. Make check payable to Visit Eau Claire Foundation (Fiscal Sponsor of Together Chippewa Valley)
2. Mail to Visit Eau Claire Foundation c/o Together Chippewa Valley, 128 Graham Avenue #234, Eau Claire, WI54701

Founding nonprofits of this coalition are:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley
• Chippewa Valley Museum
• Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
• Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild
• Eau Claire County Humane Association
• Family Resource Center
• Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
• Pablo Center at the Confluence

And more nonprofits will be invited to join.

Together these organizations:

• Have 224 years combined service to our community
• Serve 194,000+ people annually
• Employ 249 people
• Generate $7,849,000 in economic impact annually for the community
• Purchase $1,996,500 in goods and services locally each year

Make a gift today and help Together Chippewa Valley on their mission to keep the nonprofit community thriving!