The COVID-19 Community Response Fund continues to connect the donations of generous donors with local nonprofits in need.

WAUSAU, WI- The COVID-19 Community Response Fund initiated by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and United Way of Marathon County has experienced an outpouring of support since its inception in late March and is proud to announce an additional gift received of $23,000 from the Spring Fever Group of Wausau.

Formed in the 1980’s, the 25 member Spring Fever social group hosts a biannual event for its members and guests. Each member of the group is deeply invested in the Wausau community in various ways. With the cancellation of this year’s event, the group decided to respond in a positive and proactive way to assist the community.

“The members of our group recognized the need in the community was great,” said Todd Nicklaus, president of Spring Fever. “When the members of our group learned of the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, we decided to pool our money to make a greater impact in our community.”

Organizations such as the Spring Fever Group have allowed funds to be made available quickly for nonprofits during this time. The Fund has received nearly $500,000 in donations and granted $446,828 to local nonprofits.

To see a complete list of donors, apply for a grant, and more, visit: https://cfoncw.org/2020/03/16/3488/

United Way of Marathon County is canceling the 2020 CommUnity Fest originally scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Marathon Park. In conjunction with local health officials, we are working to slow the spread of the person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease. We are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and have postponed events, meetings and gatherings.

This one-day event has provided a free, family event for the public that offers children’s crafts, games and activities. In addition, the event hosted United We Can, which features food sculptures built and displayed from local businesses. Food from the event supports the Marathon County Hunger Coalition, an initiative of United Way. This year we will focus on a virtual United We Can. You can join in this community food drive and we encourage business participation as well as individuals participating with the goal of improving food security, reducing hunger and supporting local food pantries in Marathon County.

For the past 90 years, United Way of Marathon County has committed to health, education and financial stability in our County. Please complete the registration page to participate.

http://www.unitedwaymc.org/unitedwecan

Important dates to remember:
August 20, 2020 Pre-registration
September 19-October 2, 2020 Can structures built
October 3-8, 2020 Online voting
October 9, 2020 Winners announced

$158,000 Available For Local Nonprofits From Covid-19 Community Response Fund

In March of 2020, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and United Way of Marathon County teamed up to create the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. This fund continues to bring essential resources and aid to our local nonprofits. The fund provides flexible funding for organizations working throughout Marathon County who are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. Working in partnership, this Fund is designed to expand local capacity to address the effects on individuals and families as a result of the outbreak as efficiently as possible.

We know there are serious short- and long-term impacts during this pandemic. We acknowledge that the resources of local nonprofit organizations may be stressed – as they provide support for those with immediate needs in this time.

Applications continue to be accepted on our online application portal. To date, we have awarded 36 organizations with grants totaling over $300,000.

The review committee is focusing on immediate needs – food and shelter security, child care, safety in the home, access to health care, etc. – for the most vulnerable populations (which seems to be children and seniors) at this time. However, the nonprofit sector has a pulse on how the pandemic is affecting the populations they serve – and proposals are accepted to address those needs. There is a $10,000 limit per request. However, the door is open for grant recipients to apply for additional funds if needed.

We have purposely kept the application as simple as possible as not to overburden our nonprofit friends in this stressful time. The review committee, which is made up of representation of the Community Foundation and the United Way meets weekly to allow the grants to be processed in a timely manner and get funding out as quickly as possible. Applications received by 5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon will be reviewed that week.

Fast Facts:

• $454,237 donated to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund
• $304,050 granted to date – 36 organizations
• Application deadline Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m. – applications processed weekly
• Apply through the Community Foundation’s online grant management system: https://www.grantinterface.com/cfoncw/Common/LogOn.aspx
• Eligible applicants – nonprofit organization serving Marathon County – serving the immediate needs of the community due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Application request limit – $10,000 (agencies allowed to reapply if funding is still needed)

Contact: Sue Nelson, Program Officer, Community Foundation, sue@cfoncw.org / 715-845-9555
Tara Glodowski, Community Impact Director, United Way, tglodowski@unitedwaymc.org / 715-298-5707

Join United Way of Marathon County and the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin as we rally the entire community to participate in #GivingTuesdayNow on Tuesday, May 5.

When you give to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, 100% of your donation will go to support people who have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. These are neighbors who have lost their wages and tips. Families struggling to pay their bills. Children who are missing school lunches. Individuals experiencing homelessness who have been shut out of other services. From experience, we know when this community comes together, it can overcome challenges of great magnitude. That’s the power of this community.

On May 5, join us as we say thank you to the essential workers who have tirelessly and bravely continued to do their jobs. Our effort will be one part of a bigger day of giving and unity called #GivingTuesdayNow. Essential workers who are keeping grocery, convenience and pharmacy stores open see large groups of people every day. When you must shop at one of these stores, be respectful of the people working there. Tell them thank you, wear a protective mask, keep your distance from employees and be kind to team members and other customers. We want to show the world that Marathon County is United for frontline workers!