Eighty Four, PA -The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is encouraging local human service organizations to participate in an email forum that is focused on how circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus are impacting the services they provide.
The WCCF’s Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund was created earlier this week to provide grants to human service organizations serving Washington County, Pennsylvania, in response to local disasters and emergencies. Currently, the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund is concentrating its efforts in response to the COVID-19 virus. Already, grants totaling $30,000 have been awarded to the Greater Washington County Food Bank, Washington City Mission, and the Salvation Army Washington Corps to help address hunger, as many members of the community are facing financial hardship due to lost employment and business closures.
The WCCF recognizes that as conditions change and more needs are identified, it is likely that additional human service organizations should be considered for grant support. Leaders from 39 human service organizations serving Washington County were contacted today to begin a dialogue about critical needs and how they can be addressed.
“The best human service solutions will come as a result of coordination of effort and open communications between human service charities,” remarked Betsie Trew, WCCF President & CEO. “More grantees from the Fund will be announced as we are able to secure additional financial support and to identify needs related to the virus.”
Members of the community are invited to support the Community Foundation’s efforts by making a tax-deductible gift to the Close to Home Disaster and Emergency Fund. Credit Card donations 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.
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.