As we watched COVID-19 wreak havoc on China, we had no idea how it might disrupt our lives. When we saw the impact the virus had on Italy and other European countries, we altered travel plans and wondered what was next. As we watched Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, become the epicenter of the virus in the U.S., many of us knew, in the pit of our stomachs, that we were not immune and it was only a matter of time.
The pandemic that started so far away has reached us; the Lowcountry has been impacted by COVID-19. As Community Foundation of the Lowcountry staff work from home, you are in our thoughts and prayers. This Nonprofit Connections is a special edition - one to stress that we know you have been affected in many ways. Regardless of your mission, your outreach has changed, your stakeholders may have less access to you, your events are cancelled and your investments may have declined.
Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry has created the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund. We are matching the first $100,000 in donations to the fund. The mission of the fund is
to rapidly deploy resources to community-based nonprofit and equivalent organizations addressing the COVID-19 pandemic across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Grantmaking from the Lowcountry Community COVID-19 Response Fund will be made in phases.
Our Focus for Phase 1
Phase 1 applications must support health and human services nonprofits, or equivalents, working with residents without access to healthcare, or who are food or housing insecure. This phase will focus on:
- Increasing resiliency in affected populations by addressing the economic impact of reduced and lost work due to the COVID-19 outbreak
- Assisting economically vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19-related closures
- Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities
You can get additional information about the grants, including guidelines and eligibility requirements,
here on our website.
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched almost every member of our community. Many children are learning from home at the same time that many parents have lost their jobs. The tourist industry that provides employment security for many throughout our four-county service area has suddenly stopped. Low-income workers who already struggled, living paycheck to paycheck, will likely experience unprecedented hardships. Our first priority in these early days is to help stabilize those very vulnerable folks in the region. We will focus on organizations who serve those in the community with food and/or housing insecurities and/or medical needs resulting from COVID-19 in this initial phase.
Additional phases will be defined as the impact of COVID-19 evolves.
Where to Find Applications
Applications are open in our grant portal.
They will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and grants will be made to organizations within Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. Your organization needs to be registered in the portal before you can apply. Email me at
[email protected]
if you need assistance with the portal or have questions about the guidelines.
Please remember that needs may be greater than resources, but we have a generous community and we are confident that gifts will continue to come in.
A Few Other Things to Consider
- Because this COVID-19 crisis is currently our top grantmaking priority, Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is working through additional changes in our grantmaking procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed progress in our strategic planning process, but before our fiscal year ends on June 30, we will be in a position to let you know what to expect for fiscal year 2021.
- We have also had to make some schedule changes. Our April Impact Information session (Lunch & Learn) will be canceled. As of right now, we have not made a determination about the remainder of our spring and summer sessions.
- You can post your non-monetary needs, such as needs for volunteers or supplies, at Lowcountry Volunteer Connections.
- Check our website often for updates.
Stay in Touch
Don't forget; our Hilton Head office is temporarily closed so that our staff may work remotely. However, you can reach the Community Investment team via email. Email me specifically if you'd like to schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and our programs.
Please stay well and know that we support you as you tackle the challenges our community faces.
