Eighty Four, PA -Today the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) announced the creation of the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund to provide grants to human service organizations serving Washington County, Pennsylvania, in response to local disasters and emergencies.
“The segment of our community that is most impacted during disasters and emergencies is the financially distressed, who already rely on the services of human services organizations. And unfortunately, during disasters and emergencies, human services organizations are called upon to provide additional services, taxing their limited financial resources . . .There are many generous hearts in Washington County who want to help community members in crisis, and the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund will provide an opportunity for caring individuals to help alleviate suffering,” remarked WCCF President & CEO Betsie Trew.
Grants from the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund will be made in a coordinated and strategic manner to human service organizations and other nonprofits to address immediate needs, short-term needs and long-term needs. Currently, the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund is concentrating its efforts in response to the COVID-19 virus. Moneys contributed to the Fund will be granted initially for immediate needs to the Greater Washington County Food Bank, Salvation Army Washington Corps., and the Washington City Mission. As conditions change and more needs are identified, it is likely that additional human service organizations will be added to the list of grantees.
Tax-deductible gifts to the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund may be made via the Foundation’s website at www.wccf.net. Checks payable to “Washington County Community Foundation” may be mailed to 1253 Route 519, PO Box 308, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Please write “Close to Home Fund” on the memo line. For other types of gifts, including IRA Charitable Transfers, please contact the WCCF at 724-222-6330.
The Foundation waives its normal management fee for the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund.
About the Washington County Community Foundation
The mission of the Washington County Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. It was one of the first community foundations in the country to be approved for the rigorous National Standards for Community Foundations and was re-accredited in 2020. It is the largest publicly-supported grant-making foundation in Washington County and cumulatively has provided approximately $17 million in grants.