Now through May 8th, nonprofits across the state will be taking part in the #GiveAtHomeMN virtual giving event as an emergency response aimed at raising much-needed funds for communities and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This initiative, led by GiveMN.org in partnership with the office of the governor, also coincides with the international effort on Giving Tuesday, May 5th. These initiatives and the participating organizations are committed to health and human services, children and youth, arts and culture, animal welfare, and a range of other causes.
This is a challenging time as many of our nonprofits are among those under distress from the coronavirus pandemic. And now more than ever our nonprofits, businesses, and individuals are working together around a shared commitment to the resilience of our community.
As social distancing and self-quarantining become our new normal, many are facing new economic challenges. The pandemic disproportionately impacts those who were already struggling. Without the ability to hold fundraisers and group activities, many organizations are seeing a decline in revenue, affecting their ability to sustain programming.
United Way of 1000 Lakes urges supporters to join the movement by helping create a wave of generosity, community engagement, corporate and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits across our region. Whether your passion is COVID relief or another purpose, everyone can play a role in helping to lighten the burden.
For those who wish to support community-wide response efforts, United Way of 1000 Lakes, in partnership with the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, has established the Itasca Area Community Response Fund, a local initiative to provide resources to area nonprofits serving individuals and families hardest hit by the health and economic crisis.
Support for pandemic relief can be shown through a variety of ways, including checks in any amount made payable to United Way of 1000 Lakes (Suite A) or Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (Suite E) and mailed to 350 NW 1st Ave., Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Include a reference of “Community Response Fund” in the memo line. Online donations can be accepted at uwlakes.org or gracf.org, as well as on the givemn.org site.
Direct donations to nonprofits remain another effective way to show support. Nearly all service organizations would benefit from monetary gifts, a donation of needed supplies, volunteering from home, and even a note of gratitude.
Any effort to support our nonprofit and business communities will help stabilize the many services we depend on to keep the Itasca area strong.
To learn more about how you can get involved and support local recovery efforts, visit https://uwlakes.org/volunteer/.