The “COVID-19 Response Fund,” hosted by the Community Foundation of West Georgia (CFWG), is providing flexible resources to local nonprofit organizations delivering services to people affected by the virus, including children, the elderly and isolated individuals in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties.

            Five nonprofits in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties have been awarded $23,000 in the first round of grants from the Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Fund.  They are Haralson County Community Christian Council, Heard County Food Pantry, Open Hands Christian Ministry, St. Margaret’s Community Outreach and West Georgia Council on Aging.  The initial grants will be focused on providing food, with the exception of St. Margaret’s, which will provide funds to assist with shelter.

            “In order to move resources quickly without further burdening organizations providing critical services and support, we are not hosting a formal application process for the COVID-19 Fund at this time.  Grants will be made on a rolling basis.  As fundraising continues through the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis, the Fund will adapt to emerging needs as the situation evolves,” said Kim Jones, president of the Community Foundation.

“While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, the Community Foundation will be funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support,” Jones said.  Individuals who need help can locate resources at the West Georgia Cares website, westgacares.org.

            “The COVID-19 Response Fund has been made possible by a very generous donor who provided seed money to begin the fund.  Other donors have come forward, and we are asking the community to help those in need by also donating to the fund, “Jones said. 

            Donations to the fund may be made at the home page of the Community Foundation’s website at cfwg.net, by text-to-give at “GIVEWESTGA” to 44321, or by check mailed to the Foundation at 807 South Park Street, Carrollton, Georgia 30117.

            The Community Foundation is asking local nonprofits to send e-mails to kim@cfwg.net to make sure it is aware of the organization’s work supporting local residents.

The Community Foundation also will be working alongside Tanner Health System’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which is helping with costs associated with all aspects of the diagnosis, treatment and stabilization of COVID-19 patients throughout the Tanner Health System.