Howard County Funders Aim to Raise $100,000 in 10 Days to Address Coronavirus

​Howard County funders are coordinating to rapidly raise funds and deploy critical resources to nonprofits in Howard County through HoCoRespond.com, with the goal of raising $100,000 in the next 10 days.

"We're facing an unparalleled challenge, and it will require collective action and support for those that are impacted the hardest,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “We’re calling upon our community to practice kindness and compassion in supporting their neighbors, friends, and strangers through this time.” 

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, accept donations and provide funding to assist Howard County nonprofits on the frontline of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. ​

“Through this fund we are coordinating with peers in philanthropy, government and business to respond to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We know that in these unprecedented times, our community will take care of one another, and I have no doubt that we will reach our initial goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days in record time.”

Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.
• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.
• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN) for donors to support specific needs in the community that the WGC will match in the coming weeks and months ahead.  

“Howard County Funders are committed to taking steps to address the coronavirus outbreak in ways that include deep considerations of equity, taking care to support community members who are most impacted,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We strongly believe that funders must put equity at the forefront of the COVID-19 response.”

The opportunity for nonprofits to apply for funding will be available at HoCoRespond.com when the $100,000 goal is reached. 

“Nonprofits that meet the basic needs of Howard County residents are eligible for operating support including those that provide child care, food, housing, health care and mental health services, as well as those that support our local health care system and frontline health care workers,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. 

This unprecedented public health crisis is rapidly evolving and HoCoRespond.com will be monitoring the situation and adjusting efforts as necessary. 

“As the management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, each organization will continue to work diligently to keep abreast of the updates, respond accordingly and support decisions made by county, state and federal authorities,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle.

Click here to read the full announcement.

Source: HoCoRespond.com