The Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund has awarded $1 million to an additional 35 nonprofit organizations, bringing the total grant amount from the fund to $5.5 million, supporting a total of 109 nonprofit organizations..

“As this crisis continues to unfold, we know the needs are growing in our community and fundraising efforts for the fund continue with urgency; contributions can be made at www.WNYResponds.org,” a release from the organization stated.

The fund is coordinated by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, The John R. Oishei Foundation and the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County,

Grants were awarded to organizations serving all eight counties of Western New York that are addressing immediate needs in the community as a result of the COVID-19 crisis in the areas of food, housing, health care, child care, mental health, transportation, and other emergency services. The following nonprofit organizations received a grant from the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund:

 African Heritage Economic Initiative

 Black Love Resists in the Rust

 Buffalo Federation of Neighbor hood Centers

 Council On Addiction Recovery Services (CAReS)

 Durham’s Baby Cafe DH

 Eight Days of Hope

 EPIC- Every Person Influences Children

 Family Justice Center of Erie County

 FeedHamburg

 Field & Fork Network

 Gateway-Longview

 Greater Buffalo United Association

 Hearts for the Homeless of WNY

 Heritage Christian Services

 Hope of Buffalo Inc.

 International Institute of Buffalo

 Kenmore Town of Tonawanda Meals on Wheels

 Kevin Guest House

 My Place Home for the Homeless

 New York Adult & Teen Challenge

 Oak Orchard Community Health

 OLV Human Services

 Partnership for the Public Good

 PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans)

 People Inc.

 Pinnacle Community Services

 Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York

 Plymouth Crossroads

 Response to Love Center

 Ronald McDonald House of Western New York

 Saving Grace Ministries

 Seneca Street Community Development Corp.

 Seneca-Babcock Community Association

 St. Simon’s Food Pantry & Soup Kitchen at The Genesis Center

 The Journey Church

To date, the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund has raised approximately $6.5 million from 40 local foundations and private sector companies, more than 30 community leaders and approximately 1,600 individuals. To see a full list of funders, or to join the effort, visit www.WNYResponds.org

The Community Leaders Fund, announced last week and led by Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president & CEO of Independent Health, has now raised $500,000 from more than 30 leaders.

On April 8, 2020, the Fund announced its first round of grants totaling $4.5 million to 74 organizations. To see the full list of grantees, visit www.WNYResponds.org Additional funds raised will be distributed based on evolving needs related to the pandemic.

For anyone in need of assistance with information related to services available in the Western New York community, call 2-1-1. It is a referral hotline that is staffed 24/7 and serves all eight counties of Western New York.

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