The statewide, coordinated Colorado COVID Relief Fund has raised $7.8 million thus far to help Colorado community-based organizations working on prevention, impact and/or recovery with a focus on people disproportionately affected by the growing coronavirus crisis. The intent is to continue replenishing funds for community-based organizations on the front lines as long as the governor’s office deems it necessary.
We are calling on all Colorado funders to contribute to the Fund if you haven’t already, and if you have, to consider increasing your pledge today to keep up with the evolving and far-reaching health, economic and social impacts across our state.
To that end, The Colorado Health Foundation is pledging an additional $500,000 to the Fund, bringing its total contribution to $1.2 million; and The Colorado Trust is pledging $750,000 more, bringing its total contribution to $1 million.
Here’s why: This crisis is deepening existing inequities, pushing stability for people who live daily without access to critical services and opportunities due to race and socioeconomic status—people who have historically had less power and privilege—even further out of reach.
We believe we can change the course of this unprecedented threat on the lives of Coloradans if we all pull together. Funders are already distributing funds for issue areas aligned with their priorities, making huge investments in their own grantee networks and working with donor-advised fund owners, yet this statewide, coordinated effort is a way we can assist a multitude of issues for vulnerable communities across Colorado.
The Fund, supported by a diverse team of volunteer community leaders representing urban and rural sectors of government, philanthropy and business, is committed to helping people in greatest need. Community voice is a critical aspect of how grantmaking decisions will be informed.
The first of five application deadlines is April 4. Mile High United Way will disperse general operating grants (up to $25,000 per grantee per application cycle) within three business days of funding decisions for each cycle. Representatives from both of our foundations are participating in the Fund’s design and grantmaking decisions.
Learn more about the Fund and make a contribution today.
If you have feedback or questions, feel free to reach out directly to either Karen or Ned.
With admiration and gratitude for all you are doing,
Karen McNeil-Miller, EdD
President and CEO
The Colorado Health Foundation
Ned Calonge, MD, MPH
President and CEO
The Colorado Trust