COVID-19 Response
Supporting human service needs during economic distress associated with COVID-19
The Issue
As a result of the coronavirus public health and economic crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community emergency (shelters, food pantries, healthcare organizations) feel the strain from the impact of the pandemic. In many instances, demands for their services have doubled or tripled while they simultaneously navigate the challenges presented by decreased financial resources.
Nonprofit organizations also face the additional challenge of providing support to those in need, due to reduced staffing levels and fewer volunteers to sustain their respective missions. Operational challenges for nonprofits continue to mount at a time when the needs are unprecedented.
Our Response
In March of this year, United Way and Foundation For The Carolinas launched the COVID-19 Response Fund. In partnership with Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, corporations, houses of faith and others, the fund supports organizations helping to serve the needs of residents in Mecklenburg County impacted by the crisis, especially our most vulnerable populations.
As stewards of our community's investments, we are providing this report to illustrate how our donor's generosity has impacted our community to date. A final report will be provided at the conclusion of this effort.
Support Our Efforts
The COVID-19 Response Fund raised over $23.8M to help those most in need through support to Mecklenburg County nonprofit organizations. Although the fund is now closed, you can support the continued needs of our community by giving today to United Way.
Give TodayMapping the Impact: COVID-19 Response Fund
See where and how the COVID-19 Response Fund has made an impact across the Charlotte region and learn more about the nonprofits that received grants—compiled in an interactive map created by Maggie Sellers.
View MapMecklenburg County COVID-19 Response Fund
How It Works
The COVID-19 Response Fund is administered through a partnership between Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas. A grants committee comprised of 17 local leaders representing a diversity of business sectors, backgrounds and Mecklenburg County geographic locations review and distribute grants from the fund.Grants Awards
The initial round of awards was distributed as directed grants by the COVID-19 Response Fund Grants Committee. The grants ensured rapid funding for organizations on the frontlines meeting basic needs for those affected by the pandemic: food, shelter, housing and emergency financial assistance. Subsequent rounds of grants continue to focus on basic needs, as the needs throughout the community have increased.View First Round Grant Awards
View Second Round Grant Awards
View Third Round Grant Awards
View Fourth Round Grant Awards
View Fifth Round Grant Awards
View CARES Act Grant Awards
How to Apply
Please review the guidelines and complete the application form to apply.Grants Committee
Tanya Blackmon, Co-Chair, Novant HealthEdwin Peacock, Co-Chair, Pomfret Financial
Charles Bowman, Bank of America
Jordan Boyd, Rockwell AME Zion Church
Heath Campbell, Truist Financial
Alexis Coleman, Davidson United Methodist Church
Betsy Conway, Lowe's
Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County
Malcolm Graham, City of Charlotte
Mark Jerrell, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
Cliff Matthews, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
Brian Middleton, Atrium
Dee O'Dell, U. S. Bank
Jill Olmstead, LendingTree
Susan Patterson, Community Volunteer
Federico Rios, City of Charlotte
Lisa Saunders, Christ Church Charlotte
Resources
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Get Help
Get Help
NC 2-1-1
Visit NC 2-1-1for information about resources available for the community during this statewide response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
Learn MoreGive Help
Give Help
CHARMECK RESPONDS COALITION
Looking for opportunities to serve Charlotte? CharMeck Responds Coalition offers resources and ways to volunteer in response to COVID-19.
Learn MoreHOW TO SHARE FROM HOME
Our partner, Share Charlotte, has made it easy for you to SHARE from home by helping the organizations serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Learn MoreFor Nonprofits
For Nonprofits
View Full Resource LibrarySmall Business/Nonprofit Paycheck Loan Protection Applications Underway
The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorizes up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone.
Download Fact SheetNAVIGATING THE CRISIS WEBINAR SERIES
Apparo has curated resources aimed at helping nonprofits achieve their mission despite the circumstances.
Watch WebinarsNC CHILD RESOURCES FOR ADVOCATES
NC Child has launched a resource for child advocates. It is available in spanish as well.
Learn MoreNC CHILD VIDEO | STIMULUS BILL
This video covers the weekly legislative update from NC Child with a focus on COVID-19.
Watch VideoFor Parents
For Parents
RESOURCES TO KEEP CHILDREN LEARNING AT HOME
Read Charlotte worked with community partners to curate this list of resources to help families keep learning alive at home for children from Pre-K-12th grade amid school closures due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Learn MoreHELP KIDS DEAL WITH COVID-19
Child Mind Institute put together resources to help balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control.
Learn MoreSUPPORTING CHILDREN DURING A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS
Downloadable resources from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
For Donors
For Donors
NEW TAX ADVANTAGES FOR DONORS
A $2 trillion economic relief package was recently signed into law – CARES Act. The package includes a charitable giving incentive.
Learn MoreIn The News
In latest round of grants, COVID-19 Response Fund awards more than $4.3 million to 97 nonprofits aiding those impacted by pandemic
Jun 30, 2020
More than $4.3 million has been awarded to 97 nonprofits in the fourth round of grants from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Response Fund announces more than $275,000 in grants to local arts organizations in support of artists, staff, online education and programming for children
May 27, 2020
In a supplemental round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund, $275,500 was awarded to 11 local arts and cultural organizations to support artists, staff and online programming and educational opportunities for children and families.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Response Fund awards more than $3.5 million to 67 local nonprofits aiding victims of coronavirus crisis in third round of grants
May 18, 2020
More than $3.5 million has been awarded to 67 local nonprofits in the third round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read ArticleCabarrus COVID-19 Response Fund awards $67,500 to seven local nonprofits serving those impacted by the pandemic in latest round of grants
May 15, 2020
$67,500 has been awarded to seven local nonprofits in the third round of grants from the Cabarrus COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read ArticlePamlico Capital commits $1 million to support COVID-19 Response Fund, bringing fundraising total for effort to $18.5 million
May 14, 2020
Pamlico Capital announced it is committing $1 million to support the community-wide efforts of the COVID-19 Response Fund. To date, more than $18.5 million has been raised for the fund.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Response Fund surpasses $17 million in donations
Apr 29, 2020
In just over a month since launching, the COVID-19 Response Fund led by United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation For The Carolinas surpasses $17M.
Read ArticleCabarrus COVID-19 Response Fund awards more than $165,000 to 18 local nonprofits serving those impacted by the pandemic in latest round of grants
Apr 28, 2020
More than $165,000 has been awarded to 18 local nonprofits in the second round of grants from the Cabarrus COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read ArticleIredell County COVID-19 Response Fund grants $143,000 to 12 local organizations serving those impacted by the pandemic
Apr 27, 2020
In the latest round of grants, $143,000 was awarded from the Iredell County COVID-19 Response Fund to 12 nonprofits serving those impacted by coronavirus.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Response Fund announces new round of grants to local arts organizations to support artists, staff and online programming
Apr 23, 2020
In a supplemental round of grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund, more than $434,000 was awarded to five local arts and cultural organizations to support artists, staff and online programming for children and families.
Read ArticleCOVID-19 Response Fund awards more than $3 million to 51 local nonprofits aiding victims of coronavirus crisis in second round of grants
Apr 10, 2020
More than $3 million has been awarded to 51 local nonprofits in the second round of grants from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg COVID-19 Response Fund.
Read ArticleOn The Blog
How United Way’s COVID-19 Response Spans 5 Counties
June 17, 2020
As a result of the coronavirus crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community emergency (shelters, food pantries,…
51 Nonprofits Tackling COVID-19 with United Way’s Help
April 15, 2020
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community emergency (shelters, food…
Launch of Iredell COVID-19 Response Fund Welcomes Support
April 7, 2020
Across our region, local nonprofit agencies are experiencing the impact of COVID-19 and straining to address increased needs as the economy tightens, stay-at-home mandates and…
How United Way is Supporting Nonprofits During COVID-19
March 31, 2020
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community emergency (shelters, food…
Pulling Together During the Coronavirus Pandemic
March 23, 2020
THE ISSUE As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, our most critical nonprofit organizations that serve on the front lines of any community…
United Way, Foundation For The Carolinas Launch COVID-19 Response Fund
March 16, 2020
Charlotte-based LendingTree announced Monday that it is donating $1 million to a community-wide fund to assist those affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Foundation For The…
Get the Answers: FAQs about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 13, 2020
As an organization dedicated to the well-being of our community, United Way of Central Carolinas is closely watching the developments surrounding the spread of Coronavirus…