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    We're Reactivating Our Urgent Relief Fund

    Our community and nation continue to experience the growing devastation of COVID-19 and racial injustice. In response, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) and United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region (UWBCKR) are coming together to reactivate joint crisis relief grantmaking in November 2020. Get updates on the grants we're distributing in Phase II.

    The Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF) exists to support emergency relief, recovery and restoration efforts in the wake of sudden and unanticipated natural, economic and man-made crises. As our community and our entire nation continue to experience the devastating impacts of COVID-19 and racial injustice, particularly the Black and other communities of color, KZCF is working to flow resources to provide relief and support in community. 

    Our community has demonstrated commitment to coming together and supporting each other during times of crisis while ensuring those who struggle financially and economically are supported in every way possible. If you’d like to support our efforts to provide community relief, please make a contribution using the button below:

    GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY URGENT RELIEF FUND TODAY

    Grantmaking

    KZCF is currently accepting funding requests that align with the criteria below during the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice. As COVID-19 has magnified racial disparities that already existed before the pandemic we encourage funding requests with strategies that center populations impacted at disproportionately high rates. Get updates on the grants we've distributed in Phase II.

    Goal
    Provide financial support to communities made more vulnerable and most impacted by Covid-19, local violence and civil unrest - particularly communities of color.

    Focus Areas:  

    • Access to basic needs (safe and quality shelter/housing and food, utilities, transportation etc.)
    • Access to healthcare (including mental health supports, personal protective equipment and treatment)
    • Access to education
    • Support to families and victims impacted by gun violence

    Eligibility
    Organizations that are recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or that have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serve Kalamazoo County residents are eligible to apply for grants.

    Application Process
    Complete the brief application at the link below where you will tell us about the following:

    • Amount requested
    • Which focus area(s) you will be addressing
    • How will the funds be spent?
    • A brief program description
    • A description of the population being served (demographics, etc.) and specifically whether the project will serve communities of color.
    • Any partnerships that are critical to the successful delivery of the program.
    • The program start and end dates
    • Funding is limited to projects/programs in Kalamazoo County.

    Funding Resources Available for Joint Grantmaking
    as of September 8, 2021: $37,666

    START YOUR APPLICATION

    Applicants generally will hear a funding decision within 1-2 weeks of receipt.
    Questions? Contact the KZCF Community Investment team at cis@kalfoung.org. 

    Community Relief: Phase One

    From March 13 through June 11, 2020, we partnered with United Way to activate our respective community crisis relief funds (United Way's Disaster Relief Fund and KZCF's Community Urgent Relief Fund) to address the emerging needs that surfaced in key services for our most vulnerable community members.

    The three priorities that we funded jointly:
    • Assist with immediate and anticipated direct service needs/gaps
    • Maintain or expand critical internal operations and infrastructure and 
    • Support costs associated with additional volunteer capacity as needed in this time of crisis.

    Conclusion of Phase I Grantmaking

    After 11 weeks of emergency grant distribution to address the local impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and United Way of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region concluded our joint crisis relief grantmaking on June 11, 2020. We maintained a minimal balance in preparation for the next time we unfortunately need a coordinated emergency funding response.

    We recognized that individuals and families remained in crisis and continued to respond to the needs of the community to the best of our ability utilizing existing resources within our respective organizations.

    Tremendous gratitude to our generous community for contributing more than $2.4 million in support of our respective community crisis relief funds. As a result, we have been able to award more than $2.5 million in Phase I.

    Read more here about the urgent relief grant recipients from phase one crisis funds who are supporting families and individuals impacted by COVID-19.

    COVID-19 & Racial Equity

    COVID impact on Communities of Color

    Recent COVID-19 public health data has shown how communities of color, especially Black/African Americans, essential workers who are low-income, and incarcerated individuals are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

    We recognize this impact is due to many factors including systemic and institutional oppression within our healthcare system, economy and decades of inequality. We must work together in collaborative conversation to make sure that communities and populations most at risk are receiving the attention and services that they deserve. The solution for getting through this pandemic lie in unity and community.

    Here is a great resource from Racial Equity Tools about applying a racial equity lens to your organization's COVID-19 response and visit The Opportunity Agenda's website on how you can help support racial, economic and health equity for our community.

    Addressing bias & stereotyping

    We recognize that certain ethnic groups, especially Chinese Americans, are being blamed for this outbreak. As a community, we must stand firm against these ill-informed opinions. We invite you to learn about the impact on these groups in order to help disrupt and address issues of hate and bias. Learn more from the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy website.

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