Community Foundation and United Way Join Forces

United Way of the Lakeshore-Newaygo County has partnered with Fremont Area Community Foundation to support the Community Response Fund and address the impact of COVID-19 in our community. 

The Community Response Fund was created last month to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofit organizations serving children, older adults, and other vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19. Grants have already been awarded to meet needs for food, emergency shelter, childcare, mental health services, and more.

Supporting the organizations on the front lines of the local response is a priority for United Way-Newaygo County, said James Rynberg, the organization’s director.

“We know that many local organizations are experiencing a sudden surge in the need for services that they could not have predicted and may not be financially prepared to handle, especially as closures and fundraiser cancellations have strained already tight budgets,” said Rynberg. “We believe it is vitally important that these partners are able to stay open and continue serving the community members who need them. The Community Response Fund is a way that all of us—from individuals and families to the business community—can support them and the people they are serving.”

“We need to be here to meet immediate needs but also prepare for the long-term effects of this pandemic on our community,” said Carla Roberts, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We’re grateful for United Way’s partnership as we work together to mitigate the impact on local organizations and residents, now and in the days to come.”

Community members who wish to support relief efforts can donate to the Community Response Fund at facommunityfoundation.org/covid. Donors can designate their gifts for a specific county.

​