COVID-19 Community Response Fund

United Way of Waco-McLennan County and Waco Foundation awarded a second round of grants from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. Funds totaling $95,000 were awarded in the second round to community organizations that provide support for individuals and families who continue to experience emerging needs from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This second phase of funding was made possible with donations from 1^st National Bank of Central Texas, The Allergan Foundation and numerous philanthropic individuals and families within the Greater Waco community. Cumulative giving to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund totaled $220,000.

The latest round of funding has been awarded to Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, Caritas of Waco, and Mission Waco. These agencies directly support individuals and families by helping them meet basic needs like food, housing, utilities and prescription assistance. One hundred percent of COVID-19 Community Response Fund donations have directly supported local families. The first round of grants from the fund were awarded to Caritas of Waco, EOAC, Mission Waco and Salvation Army, all who have since experienced a significant increase in demand for services.

“We are thrilled to see the community come together in this way to support its neighbors in a time of unexplainable crisis. As this pandemic continues, we are hopeful that this second round of funding will provide relief for more county residents experiencing the daily stressors associated with income loss and food or housing insecurity,” said Tiffani Johnson, Senior Director of Impact and Engagement of United Way Waco-McLennan County.

“It was a priority to Waco Foundation, United Way, and the donors who contributed to the fund, that the grants directly benefit the folks who need it most. I’m proud to partner with these local nonprofits that are on the front lines of this pandemic every day, working to make sure our community members are taken care of,” said Ashley Allison, Executive Director of Waco Foundation.

The COVID-19 Community Response Fund was established at Waco Foundation and administered through United Way. To learn more about this work visit wacofoundation.org and unitedwaywaco.org. A full list of contributors may be found at unitedwaywaco.org/covid.

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United Way of Waco-McLennan County strengthens the community by mobilizing resources to measurably improve lives.

Waco Foundation promotes solutions to community challenges, strengthens local nonprofits, engages philanthropists and manages charitable assets in order to improve quality of life in McLennan County.