We are so proud to announce that, because the support of you and other local philanthropists, the COVID-19 Community Response Fund has raised more than $285,000. On April 22, 2020 we announced our first round of grants from the fund: a total of $40,000 deployed to 18 nonprofits that are providing food access and distribution services. And yesterday, we announced our second round of fund disbursements, totaling $85,000 to another 18 nonprofits, this time focusing on housing and shelter. We are honored to be able to guide these dollars to organizations helping our neighbors in need. We are excited to continue partnering with the Athens Area Community Foundation on this fund and announce our next deployment soon!

#GivingTuesdayNow

Don't forget - today is #GivingTuesdayNow! We are so thankful for the hard work of our front line workers and today is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate them together. Learn how you can celebrate on our blog. Consider writing a letter to a local nonprofit providing basic needs to our neighbors, sending a meal to our healthcare workers, or donating to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

National Mental Health Awareness Month

Partner Spotlights

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. We are proud of our partner agencies who, especially now, are able to provide support for so many. Look to the following agencies for resources: Family Counseling Service, Harmony House, Project Safe, The Cottage Sexual Assault Center & Child Advocacy Center, and The Tree House. One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist or support groups are available virtually via Telehealth and in person when safe. Mental health is a critical part of our overall well being. Right now though, the social distancing we need to do to maintain good physical health can be challenging for our mental health. If you are in need of mental health professionals for any reason, please reach out.

The 2021 Grant Applications are officially OPEN. It will remain open through June 1, 2020. We are excited to open up this process to all area nonprofits, including current partner agencies and local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Starting in 2021, we will be investing in impact by granting funds to programs of organizations that move the needle in our three focus areas: basic needs, early childhood success and workforce development.

For nonprofits interested in our Community Impact Grant Application information sessions, we have a recorded version of the session available on our YouTube page and on our website. Tune in and have your questions answered as Mark Madison walks you through the application process.

Help When We Need It

We want to remind you that 211, our health and human services referral and information line, is always available and not just for our partner agencies or neighbors. It is available for anyone at any time. Call 211, text your zip code to 898-211 or visit the 2 11 online database. We are updating our resources daily and have a special COVID-19 resources section now available. We are here, ready to help.

Mark Your Calendars

On May 22, 2020, the Nonprofit Training Series will have its second virtually session! Join Josh Podvin of UGA's Office of Service Learning - one of the series' hosts - discuss Successful Volunteering. He'll share ideas for volunteering now and in the future. Registration will open soon on GivePulse.