CFSA’s Phase II COVID-19 Response and Relief Fund – U.S.

Deadline: 29-Jan-21

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented medical, social and economic strains in communities across the nation. The effects of the pandemic are still prevalent in our communities. In efforts to aid those who have been affected by COVID-19, the Community Foundation of South Alabama (CFSA) has launched Phase II of the COVID-19 Response and Relief Fund.

CFSA has expanded the focus areas for our eight-county footprint to include Mental and Behavioral Health Support and Access to Extracurricular Activities in addition to Food Insecurity, Medical Support, and Housing and Utilities Stability.

Priority Areas

CFSA will support organizations that support relief efforts to aid those affected by COVID-19 and will accept grant applications in the following priorities:

• Food Insecurity: The Foundation will work with community organizations to supports evidence-based, tested and effective programs and activities that aid:
  • Families with young children on free and reduced lunch
  • Low-wage workers without access to meals
• Medical Supports: The Foundation will work with community organizations to support evidence-based, tested and effective programs and activities that provide:
  • Medical/pharmaceutical aid to the economically vulnerable
  • Childcare for low-wage workers and the economically vulnerable
• Housing and Utilities Stability: The Foundation will work with community organizations to support evidence-based, tested and effective programs and activities that aid:
  • Immediate housing needs of the economically vulnerable populations affected due to business closures
  • Immediate utilities support needs of the economically vulnerable populations affected due to business closures
• Mental and Behavioral Health Support: The Foundation will work with community organizations to support evidence-based, tested and effective programs and activities that provide:
  • Supports for individuals and families who are battling trauma that existed before COVID19 and is heightened by the current crisis.
  • Supports for individuals and families experiencing trauma due to isolation, stress, economic anxiety, and joblessness as well as intimate partner violence and child abuse.
• Access to Extracurricular Activities: The Foundation will work with community organizations to support evidence-based, tested and effective programs and activities that provide:
  • Education/mentorship services to children and youth most at-risk of becoming or being disengaged from school and out-of-school programs.
  • Increased capacity to aid in family support and social emotional wellbeing of at-risk youth.

Eligibility Criteria

• Geographic area: Organizations must serve CFSA’s eight-county region which includes Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington counties. All requested funding must directly benefit individuals who reside in CFSA’s eight-county region.
• IRS charitable status: Applicant organizations must be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, government entity, educational institution, or religious organization. If applying using fiscal sponsorship, the applicant must present a formal written agreement.
• CFSA typically does not fund:
  • Individuals
  • Fundraising events or expenses
  • Religious activities
  • Conference or seminar expenses
  • Lobbying or political activities
  • Political organizations or candidates for public office
  • Budget deficit or debit reduction
  • Scholarship or endowment funds
  • Tickets for charitable benefits or events
  • Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, marital status, mental or physical ability or sexual orientation
  • Capital projects and campaigns; however, specific requests may be allowed by invitation only
• CFSA seeks to fund programs and projects that:
  • Focus on work aligned with one or more of CFSA’s priority of Phase II COVID-19 Response & Relief Fund
  • Exhibit the potential to accomplish meaningful results or impact in one or more of priority areas
  • Address community challenges, underserved populations, and/or service gaps
  • Articulate measurable outcomes (desired results), effective approaches, and viable plans for maintaining ongoing efforts
  • Demonstrate strong community support, capable leadership and knowledge of, and involvement in, the communities served
  • Include a realistic project budget and organizational financial information demonstrates fiscal health (e.g. diversified revenue sources, sustainability, solvent, etc.)

For more information, visit https://www.communityfoundationsa.org/apply-for-a-grant