Getting Resources to Those in Need

Empowerment Center, one of the organizations receiving support for their services

Community Foundation Awards Next Wave of Grants from Community Response Fund

Fremont Area Community Foundation announced the next wave of grants from its Community Response Fund this week. The fund was established to rapidly deploy resources to organizations serving vulnerable populations impacted by COVID-19.

A total of $101,050 was awarded for week five to seven organizations, bringing the total awards to $294,135 since the fund was established in March. Grants have been awarded to help organizations address identified needs such as food insecurity, healthcare, and operating support.

In this round, The Ferris Foundation of Ferris State University received a grant to provide support to students facing emergency needs. Through their Hardship Fund, Ferris provides $300 stipends to students experiencing food and housing insecurity, job loss, and other challenges related to COVID-19. Nearly 1,000 students have applied for help, with more being added every day. To date, Ferris has provided support to more than 150 students from Newaygo, Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties. 

The Empowerment Network—a drop-in center serving community members with mental and emotional difficulties—received a grant to support emergency food and necessity bag deliveries. The organization has been delivering these bags to their members who are shut in, with the goal of keeping their members mentally and physically healthy while they stay at home.

Women’s Information Services Inc. (WISE) also received a grant to bridge a funding gap caused by the cancellations of two of their major fundraisers. WISE provides crisis intervention and support services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The organization relies on annual fundraisers to cover many aspects of their day-to-day operations that are not supported by other grants or donations. 

“It’s essential that we stick together as relief efforts continue in our community,” said Carla Roberts, president and CEO. “Families are struggling with job loss, childcare issues, health concerns, and economic uncertainty. These challenges will be long-lasting and the Community Foundation is deploying as many tools as possible to contribute to the immediate needs and long-term recovery. We’re so grateful for the organizations who serve our community and the generous individuals who are making financial gifts to support these vital efforts.” 

All information related to the Community Response Fund can be found at facommunityfoundation.org/covid, including a full list of grants awarded and information for organizations interested in applying for a grant.

Community members who are interested in making a donation to support the relief efforts in Newaygo County or in the counties served by the Community Foundation’s geographic affiliates—Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola—can give using the same link. 

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