ANN ARBOR, MI (March 19, 2020)- United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) announced a collaborative effort with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) to maximize the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund (Fund). The balance of the Fund, established on 3/10/20, has grown significantly after an infusion of $77,000 from AAACF. The Foundation encouraged all of its donors to support the Community Relief Fund and its donor-advised fund holders collectively engaged so that AAACF could streamline support.
The Fund is to help meet emerging and critical needs in the community related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fund has grown to more than $250,000 with the support of the Song Foundation, individual donors and businesses.
“This funding collaboration is just another example of Washtenaw County’s long-standing tradition of active collaboration by local philanthropic institutions for the greater good of our community. AAACF and UWWC have a long history of working together,” shared Neel Hajra, CEO of AAACF.
Nonprofit agencies anticipate a surge in neighborhood needs, unchartered service requests and increased staff capacity needs and operating reserve needs. 100% of the funds raised will be used to help non-profits meet the needs of the vulnerable populations including those needing food, children, families facing loss of income due to business closures, health issues and those experiencing housing crisis.
“We encourage employees making Community Relief Fund gifts to see if it qualifies under their company’s matching gift programs.,” shared Pam Smith, President and CEO of UWWC. “The need grows every day and every gift is an important one.”
For almost a century the United Way of Washtenaw County has been here for our community. Our agency will remain open to meet the needs of our County, to support our nonprofit partners and to share information about how you can help!