COVID-19 Response Fund

The COVID-19 Response Fund deployed resources to organizations supporting local workers and families most impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

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About the COVID-19 Response Fund

Managed by Seattle Foundation, the Fund made grants to community-based organizations that are working on the frontlines to support our region’s most vulnerable communities. The Fund complemented the work of public health officials and expanded local capacity to address the many needs created by the pandemic.

In March 2020, a first round of grants distributed more than $10 million to 128 nonprofits navigating the immediate economic and health impacts of the pandemic. In April 2020, the Fund augmented those initial investments with an additional $850,000 in grants that further addressed mounting food insecurity in our region. In mid-June 2020, Phase 2 grants deployed $9.2 million to 220 nonprofits and coalitions, focusing on childcare, mental and behavior health, and emergency financial assistance. Finally, in spring of 2021, the Community Advisory Group awarded $9.9 million to 283 community-based organizations supporting communities deeply impacted by the pandemic with access to health supports, childcare and other necessary services alongside those that had been missed in public funding opportunities, including immigrants and refugees.

Formed by a coalition of philanthropy, government, and business partners, the COVID-19 Response Fund galvanized nearly $40 million from numerous partners and online contributors. In times of crisis, coordination is vital in getting critical resources to communities who need them most. We are grateful to everyone who supported the COVID-19 Response Fund.

Building on the important lessons harvested from the COVID-19 Response Fund, we launched the Fund for Inclusive Recovery to help meet the critical needs of people most impacted by the pandemic. The Fund will drive investments to BIPOC organizations, movements, and communities, creating a pathway for Greater Seattle’s inclusive recovery and aims to raise $50 million over a five-year period.