More than $320,000 in grants has been awarded to local nonprofits through the Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund since it was created in mid-March.
Amy Silvert, executive director of the Green River Area Community Foundation, said to date the fund has cash and pledges in excess of $735,000, meaning nearly 45% has already invested back into communities.
The Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund Council has approved approximately 45 applications from about 40 different nonprofit organizations in the Green River area — which spans Daviess, Ohio, Union, Webster, Hancock and McLean counties.
Silvert said the response fund was designed to cut through massive paperwork and assist those who are serving the needs in the community as a result of the current pandemic.
The Council meets weekly and is currently accepting applications for coronavirus-related expenses. These applications describe services that the agency either has provided or plans to provide for those whose lives have been disrupted.
Silvert said the Council is coordinating with other federal, state and local organizations to ensure that funds are used effectively for the greatest impact. She said the Council is also working to help secure other funding from outside the area first and saving local dollars to fill in the gaps.
Silvert said by far the largest need across the state has been related to food and food service. Senior citizen centers and many other agencies across the state have joined together to provide prepared meals or food for shelters and pantries.
Donations to the Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund can be made online or checks can be made to “Green River Area COVID-19 Response Fund” and mailed to P.O. Box 705, Owensboro, KY 42302.
Information for charitable agencies to request funds can also be found online here.
