South Plains COVID-19 Response Fund Awards an Additional $221,640 in Grants to Local Nonprofits

April 22, 2020 | Press Release

LUBBOCK, Texas (NEWS RELEASE) - An additional $221,640 has been awarded to local nonprofits from the South Plains COVID-19 Response Fund established by the Community Foundation of West Texas and Lubbock Area United Way. In the first two rounds of grants, 30 organizations have received funds totaling $718,799 to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak.
 
Funds will be used to meet the following needs:
In the first two rounds of grants, 30 organizations have received funds totaling $718,799 to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak.

25% - Rent and utility assistance

17% - Childcare and youth support

37% - Food assistance

17% - Medical needs

3% - Mental health needs

1% - Transportation

In the first two rounds of grants, 30 organizations have received funds totaling $718,799 to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak.

In the first two rounds of grants, 30 organizations have received funds totaling $718,799 to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. (Source: Community Foundation of West Texas and Lubbock Area United Way)

Lubbock Impact received a grant in the first round of grants that was distributed in early April. Executive Director Rory Thomas said, “We went from cooking for about 250 in our soup kitchen to a drive-thru kitchen and preparing for about 1,200 people. My expenses didn’t just double. They tripled and then quadrupled because of the way we’re trying to package all our food to go. The grant from the Response Fund will allow us to continue to feed people and provide many different services to those in need.”

More than $1.5 million has been given to the Response Fund. Gifts will help South Plains communities respond to both the immediate needs and to the long term needs that will arise from this crisis. Gifts may be made online at cfwtx.org.
 
If you prefer to donate by check, please make payable to The Community Foundation of West Texas with COVID-19 Response Fund on the memo line and mail to 6102 82nd Street, 8b, Lubbock, Texas 79424.
 
Local nonprofits are invited to submit grant applications for future rounds of funding. The grants committee is continuing to review applications as quickly as possible so that funds are able to go right back into the community. As long as there are funds available, grant applications will be considered. The Community Foundation of West Texas has a vast knowledge of the non-profit organizations within Lubbock and the surrounding 14 counties and can provide the due diligence for each applicant. When stay-at-home orders have been lifted, resources will be directed toward the longer-term impacts of recovery.
 
Lubbock Area United Way has also started a COVID-19 Response and Resource Center at liveunitedlubbock.org/covid-19 where South Plains residents can go for up-to-date information from hospitals, local governments, Lubbock County school districts, food suppliers, utility providers and more. If you are in need or know someone in need, please visit the resource center or call 2-1-1.
 
Information provided by Community Foundation of West Texas and Lubbock Area United Way