In response to the crisis, two local organizations launch community response fund to address the pressing needs of individuals and the organizations serving them
March 23, 2020 - A new fund, the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund, has been created to rapidly mobilize resources to meet increased needs in our local communities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The creation of the fund is a joint effort between the Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) and Bozeman Area Community Foundation (BACF) to streamline support and focus it to the areas of our region that need it most at this time.Those wishing to help people and organizations most impacted during the outbreak in Southwest Montana are encouraged to donate to the Response Fund. AMB West Philanthropies is supporting the launch of this coordinated effort with a $100,000 challenge grant to help leverage donations to the fund. AMB West Philanthropies comprises the nonprofit interests of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation in the Western United States.
The Response Fund will provide flexible resources to organizations working with individuals and populations disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the health and economic consequences of this outbreak. Initial funding will focus on five primary areas of need: food and supplies distribution, emergency housing, emergency financial assistance, health and wellbeing, and programs and supplies needed to support crisis response. As the situation evolves and additional needs arise, the Response Fund’s priorities and scope may shift or expand to best serve the region throughout the crisis and recovery.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent need for social distancing, self-quarantine, school and business closures is concerning for all of us – but particularly for those in our community who have serious health concerns, lack access to basic resources, or face long-term economic challenges,” said Danica Jamison, President & CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way. “The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund will provide funding for critical needs in the region, especially for our most vulnerable residents.”
GGUW and BACF are actively working with community leaders, local government, public health and emergency management officials to monitor and respond to the immediate and evolving needs of the region resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the changing nature of this unprecedented situation, the fund managers will be convening regional social service providers in order to identify shifts in community needs and address any gaps in crucial services.
"Extraordinary times often call for extraordinary measures, and that's what the Community Foundation and Greater Gallatin United Way are trying to provide for our nonprofit partners and the people they serve," said Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation. “Many of the organizations that you care about have had to cancel their annual fundraisers, programs and events that keep their doors open. These nonprofits are on the front line supporting individuals who are disproportionately affected by this crisis. In the wake of the growing worldwide pandemic, they need your support now more than ever."
To make an online donation to the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund go to www.SWMontanaCOVID-19Fund.org.
To learn more about the Fund, go to SWMontanaCOVID-19FundInformation.
Checks may be mailed to:
COVID-19 Response Fund
c/o Greater Gallatin United Way
945 Technology Blvd., Suite 101-F
Bozeman MT 59718
or
COVID-19 Response Fund
c/o Bozeman Area Community Foundation
1627 W. Main St. Box 404
Bozeman, MT 59715
If individuals or families require emergency food, housing, transportation, financial or other social assistance, they should call 211. The 24-Hour 211 hotline is an information and resource line and crisis response call center answered by Help Center for calls made in the Southwest Montana region. Referrals to the appropriate source(s), as available, of assistance will be made. Those experience emotional distress during time can also call this number for a listening ear.
How Can the Public Respond to COVID 19 Related Community Needs
During this challenging time, GGUW and BACF know that many community members want to help their neighbors. For those community members looking to support the growing needs of the region, GGUW and BACF encourage you to get involved in three ways:
1. Donate to immediate crisis response needs.
This collaborative fund is designed to expedite funding to the most critical needs in the immediate future and to help plan for longer term needs of the region due to COVID-19. Donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund at https://www.SWMontanaCovid-19Fund.org/ or mail checks to
COVID-19 Response Fund, c/o Greater Gallatin United Way,
945 Technology Blvd., Suite 101-F,
Bozeman MT 59718 or
COVID-19 Response Fund, c/o Bozeman Area Community Foundation,
111 S. Grand,
Bozeman, MT 59715.
At this time, only online or check donations are accepted. We are not currently taking goods or vouchers.
2. Support all the charitable organizations that make our community so special.
Many nonprofits and cultural organizations have also been significantly impacted by social distancing and canceled fundraising events and programming that provide essential revenues. Considering donating directly to a local nonprofit during this challenging time. Direct support to many of your favorite charities can be made via the Give Big Gallatin Valley platform that supports over 200 nonprofits in Gallatin County from April 16th - May 16th by going to www.GiveBigGV.org.
3. Volunteer to help.
Greater Gallatin United Way and many other community organizations are working together to address the critical needs of our community due to the impacts of COVID-19. If you are healthy, not a part of an at-risk population, and want to volunteer, please visit VolunteerMT.org to make an account. If you are an agency with needs, please post those to the same site. Contact Tia Goebel at tia@greatergallatinunitedway.org or at 406-587-2194 if you need assistance.
If you have any questions about accessing resources or navigating services, please call 2-1-1 or visit Montana211.org. For up to date health information about COVID-19 visit HeatlhyGallatin.org and the CDC webage. For press releases, visit Gallatin Media Center.
About Greater Gallatin United Way
Greater Gallatin United Way’s mission is to mobilize the caring power of our communities. We empower donors, volunteers, businesses, governments, nonprofits, and community groups to invest in neighbors and improve quality of life for everyone in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher and Park Counties. Working together, we identify the community’s most critical needs and implement collaborative, innovative solutions. Learn more at www.greatergallatinunitedway.org.
About the Bozeman Area Community Foundation
Established in 1998, the Bozeman Area Community Foundation is connecting people who care to causes that matter most to them. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation serves the areas of Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Three Forks, and the rural areas in between. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $4.3 million dollars to 194+ local nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.bozemanfoundation.org.
