United Way of Central Alabama announced the award of $583,817 to local nonprofit organizations within Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, and St. Clair counties over the past four months. Approximately 26,396 clients have been assisted from the Community Crisis Fund to date. For the month of June, 22 grants totaling $122,000 were provided to aid in COVID-19 relief efforts.
At a news conference in March, United Way of Central Alabama President & CEO, Drew Langloh, announced the Community Crisis Fund would seek donations to help feed people in need, provide some emergency assistance for people who need help paying bills for needs such as utility and rent, and support distressed nonprofit organizations serving people negatively impacted by COVID-19.
These awards will be made until the Community Crisis Fund is depleted. Proposals that can’t be funded will be shared with a network of foundations and private funders in the hopes that those organizations might be able to fund the requests. This will help limit the burden on nonprofits who are applying from completing multiple applications.
Experienced nonprofit volunteers on United Way’s Community Impact Committee reviewed the Community Crisis Fund Applications submitted. They are Tracey Morant Adams, Renasant Bank; Rena Ramsey, Everett Advisory Partners; Marzette Fisher, Architecture Works; Shirley Fagan, O’Neal Industries; Wilbur Johnson, Alabama Power; Leigh Leak, Baptist Health Systems (retired); Phillip Coffey, Alabama Power.
Currently, applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, and awards are given out monthly. Corporate and individual contributions make these awards possible. To donate online, go to www.uwca.org/COVID19 or mail your check to United Way of Central Alabama, COVID-19 Community Crisis Fund, P.O. Box 320189, Birmingham, Alabama 35232.