The fourth round of grants from United Way of Central Ohio’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund, totaling $320,540 to 29 organizations, are being distributed immediately. This round of investments brings the total deployed to nonprofits in just eight weeks to over $1.55 million. Communities of color continue to be disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and this round further expands the number of grants to nonprofits serving these communities. Grants are primarily focused on helping nonprofits provide food, rental assistance, emergency supplies, household items, child care and transportation to struggling families. Nonprofits are also using funds to purchase cleaning supplies, masks and other personal protective equipment so staff and volunteers can continue to serve clients safely. Supporting education remains a priority as nonprofit partners look ahead to summer and pursue creative ways to keep students engaged and learning through the summer months. For example, The Hardy Center in Linden will use its grant to provide online assistance to students who are struggling academically. The King Arts Complex will purchase tablet computers to allow 70 youth to attend a virtual summer youth camp. According to Demetries J. Neely, Executive Director of The King Arts Complex, the ever-popular (with a waiting list) 32-year-old STEAM … Continue reading $1.5 Million Invested in Local Nonprofits from COVID-19 Fund