The COVID-19 Community Response Fund, hosted by the Athens Area Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Northeast Georgia, is deploying its first round of funds to nonprofits serving Northeast Georgia. This first phase will distribute 20% of the current funds to 18 local nonprofits that are providing food access and distribution to those impacted by the pandemic. A total of $40,000 will be dispersed to nonprofits across the United Way of Northeast Georgia’s 12-county region.

This first phase of grants will go to support:

A.C.T.S. (Area Churches Together Serving)

Athens Area Emergency Food Bank

Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA)

Banks-Jackson Food Bank

East Athens Development Corp.

Food Bank of Northeast Georgia

Greene County Food Pantry

Hart County Cupboard

iServe Ministries

Madison-Morgan County Caring Place

Madison County Food Bank

Live Forward

New Path

Oconee Area Resource Council (OARC)

Oglethorpe County Senior Center

Our Daily Bread

Rainbow Pantry

The Salvation Army (Elberton)

The grant reviewers - a collection of community leaders, nonprofit advocates, business men and women, and government associates - determined the first phase would go to nonprofits offering food distribution and access based on data gathered from 211 and the Athens Wellbeing Project, and insights from community and county leaders.

“With supply chain disruption, financial distress and health concerns, accessibility to affordable food is increasing for many of our regional residents. Those organizations that are providing emergency food distribution and access are critical at this time to ensure our neighbors are being fed,” said Kay Keller, President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Georgia.

A second phase of funds will be distributed in the coming weeks. The fund is still open and accepting donations. Anyone can help by making a donation to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. To make a donation, please visit www.athensareacf.org.

“We are so thankful for the philanthropic spirit of Northeast Georgia. We know that times are hard, but any amount donated to this fund will make a dynamic impact for those organizations serving our hardest hit residents. The opportunity for us to distribute this first phase of funds continues to show the amazing culture of giving within our community,” said Sarah McKinney, President and CEO of the Athens Area Community Foundation.

The Athens Area Community Foundation and United Way of Northeast Georgia are grateful for the financial stewardship of more than 250 individuals, organizations and businesses. We are especially thankful for the major gifts and contributions from CareSource Foundation, First American Bank & Trust, Georgia Power Foundation, The Caterpillar Foundation, The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation, Truist, and Athens Area Community Foundation Fundholders.

For more information, please email [email protected]. Funds will be granted to highest needs areas and to organizations based on data and community insights and assessments. The funding will not be restricted to current United Way of Northeast Georgia- or other collective nonprofit-funded organizations.