The United Way of Lebanon County Community Support Fund (Fund) was established as a special fundraising effort to support our local nonprofits who are directly serving our community members who are in critical need due to the effects of COVID-19 in Lebanon County. You can read the press release about the fund here.
I’m an individual who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can this Fund help me?
We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already, and more will continue to be affected. United Way of Lebanon County is working to provide resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts.
While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is supporting community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. If you are looking for resources now, please contact 211 by calling or texting your zip code to 898211.
My organization is interested in resources from this Fund. Can we be considered?
We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. United Way of Lebanon County’s Community Impact Committee and Community Advisory Committee are working to ensure that the grants awarded meet the greatest needs in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. In order to move resources quickly, we are utilizing a simple application process to our currently funded partners who focus on supporting community members in addressing basic needs to ensure stability.
I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a prioritized grantee?
To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations at this time. The Lebanon County Community Support Fund was created in hopes of providing a way to coordinate as many resources as possible to have the capacity for a fluid response to presenting needs during this uncertain time.
Should I give to this Fund instead of making other donations?
The goal of this fund is to provide a collective avenue to receive and distribute community donations to address the communities most critical needs. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community.
What will be the focus of the funds released?
We are prioritizing supporting community-based non-profit organizations, who are currently funded partners of United Way of Lebanon County, that are serving communities and individuals who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis. Our funding priorities are food security and basic needs. United Way of Lebanon County reserves the right to support other areas of need that develop to remain fluid to respond to unforeseen needs as a result of COVID-19. We recognize that as the crisis and long-term impacts continue to unfold, we will continue to assess and evolve our funding strategies if additional funds are available through this specific fundraising effort.
Is there a geographic area of focus for the Fund?
100% of the Lebanon County Community Support Fund will be awarded to grantees directly serving Lebanon County residents.
When will you share who you fund?
We will be posting grantees and amount granted on our website as awards are given in addition to a brief description of the services and support they are providing.
Who makes funding decisions?
The United Way Community Support Fund will be advised by the Community Impact Committee (a sub-set of the UW board) and a group of community members serving as a newly-formed Community Advisory Committee.
Community Impact Committee:
- Sue Allwein
- Sherry Cassel
- Carolyn Haskell
- Rene Numer
- Geoffrey Roche
- Rick Scott
Community Advisory Committee:
- Karen Groh, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Nicole Maurer, Community Health Council
- Julie Smyth, Henise Tire
- Brenda Strartoni, Crisis Intervention
Additional Questions?
Contact Brooke Smith, CEO.
bsmith@unitedwaylebco.org | 717-675-8411 (m)