Columbia, Md. - The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are sustaining their strong partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic and announcing another $200,000 in available funds to support nonprofits working on the frontlines in Howard County through HoCoRespond. 

Howard County nonprofits can apply for this round of funding beginning Monday, November 2. Organizations must apply by midnight on Monday, November 23, 2020. Grant applications can be submitted here. 

HoCoRespond will host two virtual Q&A information sessions for those interested in applying for funding on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:30 - 11:00 am and Thursday, Nov. 12, 1:00 - 2:30 pm. RSVP to receive zoom details to [email protected].

New, coordinated grant funding is urgently needed to help Howard County residents as unemployment insurance supplements have ended and eviction protections are at risk. Many vulnerable families in Howard County are increasingly unable to pay for food, rent, childcare and healthcare, and nonprofits in the county are helping address those challenges.

Under the umbrella of HoCoRespond, the Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County have been working together since March to assess community needs, accept donations and provide funding to Howard County nonprofits providing frontline support, with a focus on food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. With the goal to maximize impact and equity through HoCoRespond, Howard County funders have awarded a total of $407,500 since March to 31 nonprofits.

"This public health crisis has caused a wave of challenges for our residents - people are facing unimaginable circumstances deciding whether to keep a roof over their head or food on their table," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "We're incredibly grateful to have such dedicated organizations to help look out for our most vulnerable, and HoCoRespond has already demonstrated effectiveness in collaboration. In a time when it's imperative to help those among us most in need, this is a perfect way to support your neighbors and community. I encourage those who are able to make a charitable contribution to support this emergency fund." 

As of November 1, the Maryland Department of Health reported 6,015 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Howard County and 146,995 cases across the state. 

“Howard County Funders are coordinating to raise and deploy critical resources to nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “We continue to be here to support our community as we navigate ongoing community needs this fall and into the winter.”

A key focus of the collective grantmaking is to ensure communities of color are receiving equitable treatment. 

​“We are proud that our collective grantmaking is working to advance equity by focusing on cultural, racial, ethnic, geographic and ability diversity in the organizations we are funding” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We are working closely with our partners to continue to identify urgent needs on the ground.”

HoCoRespond.org is continuing to accept donations. Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. 

 

• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. 

​

• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has established the COVID-19 Fund to address unprecedented COVID-19 community needs and is also responding to emergency needs through its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN). 

“The reality is that COVID-19 is continuing to harm our community,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We will continue to work closely with our funding partners to address critical housing, food, childcare and healthcare challenges in Howard County and provide emergency and ongoing support to those in need.”

The Howard County funding partners are urging county residents, donors and the community at large to take action and support the nonprofits who are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis.  

“We will continue exploring the path forward in providing relief to our community by leveraging our strengths and working with others to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. 

Columbia, Md. - Key Howard County funders are sustaining their strong partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, announcing a new effort to  raise and deploy an additional $200,000 to support nonprofits working on the frontlines in Howard County through HoCoRespond.

New, coordinated grant funding is urgently needed to help Howard County residents as unemployment insurance supplements and eviction protections are at risk of ending.   Many vulnerable families in Howard County are increasingly unable to pay for food, rent, childcare and healthcare, and nonprofits in the county are helping address those challenges.

Under the umbrella of HoCoRespond, the Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County have been working together since March to assess community needs, accept donations and provide funding to Howard County nonprofits providing frontline support, with a focus on food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. Through HoCoRespond, Howard County funders have awarded a total of $407,500 since March to 31 nonprofits.

"This public health crisis has caused a wave of challenges for our residents - people are facing unimaginable circumstances deciding whether to keep a roof over their head or food on their table," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "We're incredibly grateful to have such dedicated organizations to help look out for our most vulnerable, and HoCoRespond has already demonstrated effectiveness in collaboration. In a time when it's imperative to help those among us most in need, this is a perfect way to support your neighbors and community. I encourage those who are able to make a charitable contribution to support this emergency fund." 

On August 17 the Maryland Department of Health reported 4,089 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Howard County and 100,715 cases across the state. 

“Howard County Funders are coordinating to raise and deploy critical resources to nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “We continue to be here to support our community as we navigate ongoing community needs this summer and into the fall.”

A key focus of the collective grantmaking is to ensure communities of color are receiving equitable treatment. 

​“We are proud that our collective grantmaking is working to advance equity by focusing on cultural, racial, ethnic, geographic and ability diversity in the organizations we are funding” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We are working closely with our partners to continue to identify urgent needs on the ground.”

HoCoRespond.org is continuing to accept donations  and will announce another round of grantmaking soon. Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. 

 

• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. 

​

• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has established the COVID-19 Fund to address unprecedented COVID-19 community needs and is also responding to emergency needs through its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN). 

“The reality is that COVID-19 is continuing to harm our community,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We will continue to work closely with our funding partners to address critical housing, food, childcare and healthcare challenges in Howard County and provide emergency and ongoing support to those in need.”

The Howard County funding partners are urging county residents, donors and the community at large to take action and support the nonprofits who are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 crisis.  

“We will continue exploring the path forward in providing relief to our community by leveraging our strengths and working with others to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County.

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The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation,  United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County today announced $202,500 in emergency grants to 20 Howard County nonprofits addressing COVID-19 needs. The collaborative effort that began in March, called HoCoRespond, has now awarded a total of $407,500 in the last two weeks to 32 nonprofits meeting food security, housing, childcare and healthcare needs.
 
“The full scope of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be seen, but it will be detrimental to many of our residents and communities," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "We are very thankful for the work of the HoCoFunders and encourage all Howard County residents and businesses to support these efforts.”
 
The grant announcement comes on #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity taking place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented community issues caused by COVID-19.
 
The $202,500 in COVID-19 emergency grants will go to the following organizations serving Howard County:
 

• American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake Region: $10,000 to support disaster-related efforts.
• Asian American Healthcare Center Inc.: $10,000 to support healthcare-related efforts for uninsured and/or low-income Asian residents.
• Bridges to Housing Stability Inc.: $5,000 to provide basic supplies, food and emergency financial assistance to households destabilized by COVID-19.
• Bridgeway Community Church: $5,000 to support the Bridgeway Community Cupboard emergency food distribution efforts.
• Center for Children, Inc.: $18,000 to provide telehealth services to 122 poverty-level families enrolled in its Care Coordination Program.
• FISH of Howard County, Inc.: $5,000 to address food, financial assistance and other needs.
• Fuel Fund of Maryland: $5,000 to provide utility assistance to vulnerable households.
• Howard Hospital Foundation: $15,000 to provide staff and vulnerable discharged patients with essential food items, paper products and prepared meals.
• Indian Cultural Association of Howard County: $15,000 to support the Lentil Pop-Up food pantry and prescription assistance.
• Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington: $5,000 to meet food needs by providing culturally sensitive food options for low- and moderate-income Korean and Chinese residents.
• Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc.: $10,000 for emergency assistance and supplies for Laurel-area residents.
• National Family Resiliency Center: $5,000 to provide free or low-cost mental health services for clients in crisis due to job loss or furlough.
• Open Doors Food Pantry at Mount Zion United Methodist Church: $7,500 to support emergency food distribution efforts.
• The Arc of Howard County, Inc.: $25,000 to purchase equipment and supplies to provide support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• The Salvation Army: $10,000 to provide emergency assistance, food and supplies.
• Wilde Lake High School Parent Teacher Student Association: $22,000 to support the purchase of food and essential supplies for the Wilde Lake High School Teen Parenting program, Homewood School Food Pantry and the efforts of Columbia Community Care.
• Winter Growth, Inc.: $15,000 to provide supplies and emergency support for seniors in the assisted living and adult daycare program.
• Y in Central Maryland: $15,000 to support food distribution events in partnership with Ridgley’s Run Community Center.

​“We are pleased to continue to work with our great partners and members of the community to address Howard County’s COVID-19 emergency needs,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We are proud that our collective grantmaking is working to advance equity by focusing on cultural, racial, ethnic, geographic and ability diversity in the organizations we are funding.”
 
The Howard County Health Department reported 1,008 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Howard County as of Tuesday, May 5 and 28 people have died. The number of cases is projected to continue to rise, putting great strain on frontline nonprofits and health services across the county.
 
“Unfortunately, COVID-19 will continue to hurt our communities for weeks and months to come,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We grieve for those affected by COVID-19, and we will continue to help bring our Howard County community together to provide emergency and ongoing support to those in need.”
 
The HoCoRespond philanthropies are continuing to coordinate fundraising to provide critical resources to nonprofits in Howard County, and hope to undertake a third round of funding in the near future.
 
“This collective funding effort is available because of the many donors who have generously invested in HoCoRespond,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “We are in an unprecedented crisis, but we are so gratified at how the community has come together to take care of one another.”

Those looking to help can donate to the following COVID-19 emergency funds:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.
• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.​
• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has established the WGC COVID-19 Fund  to address unprecedented COVID-19 community needs. WGC donors and members of the community are invited to donate.

 
“On this global day of giving in response to COVID-19 emergency needs, we are proud to be part of a community that is stepping up to support our friends and neighbors,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. “We are utilizing our unique strengths on #GivingTuesdayNow to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone.”
 
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​The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County have announced $205,000 in grants to 13 Howard County nonprofits addressing COVID-19 needs. The collaborative effort, called HoCoRespond, has also launched its second fundraising challenge, with a goal of raising $200,000 in five days. The application process for the second round of emergency grants opens today, and applications are due on Friday, April 24, 2020.

​"This pandemic is going to continue to cause many challenges for our residents of Howard County and we're incredibly grateful to have such dedicated organizations to help look out for our most vulnerable," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "HoCoRespond has already demonstrated how effective their collaborative effort can be, and I encourage those who are able to support their emergency funds to respond to this crisis."
 
These four local philanthropies quickly established HoCoRespond.com in March 2020 and recently exceeded its first goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days to support Howard County nonprofits with emergency funds in response to the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, $205,000 in emergency funds have been awarded in the first round of grants, going to the following nonprofit partners on the frontline of support assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare:
 
●      CASA: $10,000 for COVID-related needs of immigrant, Latino and working-class Howard County residents including information and referral hotline services, benefit and loan assistance, employment assistance, and advocacy support.
●      Chase Brexton Health Services: $10,000 to provide urgent access to food and rental assistance to Howard County patients experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 Crisis.
●      Community Action Council of Howard County: $25,000 to support the increased demand for services at the Howard County Food Bank.
●      Equity4HC: $25,000 to support emergency relief efforts that support disadvantaged students, families and seniors by providing healthy food, hygiene assistance and essential supplies through a partnership with Columbia Community Care.
●      Foreign-born Information and Referral Network (FIRN): $15,000 to provide access to food, financial support and culturally appropriate information to foreign-born Howard County residents affected by COVID-related needs.
●      Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center:  $25,000 to support the increased need for crisis and homeless services in Howard County as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
●      Hope Works of Howard County: $20,000 to assist in maintaining full operations of the 24/7 emergency shelter and crisis intervention support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including human trafficking.
●      Howard County Autism Society: $5,000 to support individuals with autism and their families most in need through the financial assistance from the “Madhu Fund,” a fund providing one-time, emergency assistance to individuals with autism and/or their families who are experiencing an immediate need for financial assistance, and operational support for increased family navigator services.
●      Humanim: $25,000 to provide food and supplies to Howard County homeless residents sheltering in local motels through the City Seeds program, a social enterprise that provides catering and job training skills for people facing employment barriers.
●      Just Living Advocacy: $5,000 to support low-income Howard County families with support for child care costs and advocacy.
●      Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington: $10,000 to support food security needs with culturally sensitive food options for low- to moderate-income Korean and Chinese American residents of Howard County.
●      Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland: $20,000 to expand the Home Delivered Meal Program and Grocery Shopping Assistance Program serving low-income Howard County seniors.
●      Neighbor Ride: $10,000 to support the food delivery program partnership implemented during the COVID-19 crisis with the Howard County Food Bank and Howard County Office on Aging & Independence Congregate Meal Program to support the food needs of vulnerable Howard County residents.
 
"We are facing an unprecedented challenge that continues to require collective action and support for those in our community who are impacted the most, and we are committed to taking steps to address the coronavirus outbreak in ways that include deep considerations of equity,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We are focused on cultural, racial, ethnic, geographic, and ability diversity in the organizations we are funding.”
 
The Howard County Health Department has reported 538 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Howard County as of today, and 12 people have died. The number of cases is projected to continue to rise, putting great strain on front line nonprofits and health services across the county.
 
“We know the short and long-term impact of COVID-19 will continue to have lasting implications and disproportionately affect community members who are earning hourly wages, going without health insurance, needing child care and facing financial hurdles,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. "As we continue to monitor and address the needs of our most vulnerable residents and frontline health care workers, we are proud to be part of a community coming together to show support."
 
To continue to address the need, Howard County funders are continuing to coordinate to rapidly raise funds from generous donors and deploy critical resources to nonprofits in Howard County through HoCoRespond.com, with the goal of raising another $200,000 in the next five days. Applications for the second round of grants are now open for nonprofits to apply through Friday, April 24. More information about the applications and ways to donate can be found at HoCoRespond.com.
 
This rapid response effort is available because of the many donors who have supported this collective effort, including Cyndi and Ron Gula, the Kahlert Foundation, the Hittman Family Foundation, M&T Bank, Katherine Schulze, the Sierra Grace Giving Fund, and the Christopher P. Parr Charitable Fund, all of whom have stepped up to generously invest in HoCoRespond and encourage the community to give to address unprecedented COVID-19 needs.
 
“We are able to invest in our community quickly and efficiently because of the support of many donors who wish to make a measurable difference,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “We know that in these unprecedented times, our community will continue to take care of one another, and I have no doubt that we will reach our initial goal of raising another $200,000 in five days in record time.”

Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

●      The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.
 
●      The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.
​
●      The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has established the WGC COVID-19 Fund. Donors can double the impact of their gifts through the generosity of Cyndi and Ron Gula, who are matching donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000 to address unprecedented COVID-19 community needs. WGC donors and members of the community are invited to donate.
 
“We know the needs are great, and we are proud to be part of a community of donors and funders that are stepping up to show support in these trying times” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County. “We are in this together, and will get through this together.”
 
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April 6, 2020

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball

Ten days ago, four local organizations set a goal to raise $100k in only ten days to support and deploy critical resources to nonprofits on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, they not only reached their goal, but also surpassed it. These funds are essential to assisting with food security, housing, healthcare, and childcare for all our residents.

Thank you to Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland, Community Foundation of Howard County, and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County for your dedication to providing these much needed resources to our community. We will get through this together!

Learn more at https://www.hocorespond.com/ See Less

Four local philanthropies established HoCoRespond.com and set a goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days to support Howard County nonprofits with emergency funds in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The goal has been exceeded and $100,000 in emergency funds are now available to support nonprofits on the frontline of support assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. ​

The opportunity for Howard County nonprofits to apply for this first round of funding will begin on Monday, April 6, 2020. Organizations must apply by midnight on Friday, April 10.

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, provide funding, and accept donations.

“Howard County Funders are coordinating to raise and deploy critical resources to nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. “We are here to support our community.”

Organizations should be 501(c)3 nonprofits providing services in and to Howard County Maryland residents.

“Nonprofits that meet the basic needs of Howard County residents are eligible for operating support, including those that provide child care, food, housing, health care and mental health services, as well as those that support our local health care system and frontline health care workers,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland.

HoCoRespond.com is continuing to accept donations and will soon announce a second round of funding for Howard County nonprofits. Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.

 

• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.

​

• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN) for donors to support specific needs in the community that the WGC will match in the coming weeks and months ahead.  

The Howard County funding community is working together to ensure that each fund has maximum reach and effectiveness, and are urging donors and the community at large to look for opportunities to support the critical needs of nonprofits they wish to help. 

“We will continue exploring the path forward in providing relief to our community and look forward to leveraging our strengths and working with others to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone” said WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle.

As Howard County works to respond to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations will continue to collaborate to assist community stakeholders, business leaders and public sector leaders to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response.

"These are unprecedented times, and we are grateful for both our nonprofit community coming together to provide critical support, and for donors stepping up to respond” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “This is Howard County at its best."

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HoCoRespond.com Raising Money and Giving Grants to Nonprofits in Howard County

​Howard County funders are coordinating to rapidly raise funds and deploy critical resources to nonprofits in Howard County through HoCoRespond.com, with the goal of raising $100,000 in the next 10 days.

"We're facing an unparalleled challenge, and it will require collective action and support for those that are impacted the hardest,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “We’re calling upon our community to practice kindness and compassion in supporting their neighbors, friends, and strangers through this time.” 

The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, accept donations and provide funding to assist Howard County nonprofits on the frontline of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. ​

“Through this fund we are coordinating with peers in philanthropy, government and business to respond to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We know that in these unprecedented times, our community will take care of one another, and I have no doubt that we will reach our initial goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days in record time.”

Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.

 

• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.

​

• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN) for donors to support specific needs in the community that the WGC will match in the coming weeks and months ahead.  

“Howard County Funders are committed to taking steps to address the coronavirus outbreak in ways that include deep considerations of equity, taking care to support community members who are most impacted,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We strongly believe that funders must put equity at the forefront of the COVID-19 response.”

The opportunity for nonprofits to apply for funding will be available at HoCoRespond.com when the $100,000 goal is reached. 

“Nonprofits that meet the basic needs of Howard County residents are eligible for operating support including those that provide child care, food, housing, health care and mental health services, as well as those that support our local health care system and frontline health care workers,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. 

This unprecedented public health crisis is rapidly evolving and HoCoRespond.com will be monitoring the situation and adjusting efforts as necessary. 

“As the management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, each organization will continue to work diligently to keep abreast of the updates, respond accordingly and support decisions made by county, state and federal authorities,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle.

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Local funders announce new emergency funds and actions to support the community

Columbia, Md. – Four local philanthropies have announced new emergency funds and actions to support community members affected by COVID-19. The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, provide funding, and accept donations to assist Howard County nonprofits on the front line of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. 
 
"We're incredibly grateful to have a philanthropic community that is rising to this unfolding challenge with the spread of coronavirus," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "These funds are critical to ensuring that during this time of uncertainty there will be supports in place to cover basic expenses, groceries, and bills for those in need."
 
"We are proud to collaborate to track and coordinate the funding community's response to this unprecedented public health crisis," said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. "The community foundation stands ready to assist through our Howard County Community Relief Fund."
 
As the management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, each organization will continue to work diligently to keep abreast of the updates, respond accordingly and support decisions made by county, state and federal authorities. United Way of Central Maryland has pledged $5,000 to support nonprofits providing relief efforts, and will also match up to $5,000 from donors. "United Way is here to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed through our new COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “As work schedules are cut or jobs are eliminated because of the virus, we know that people will need help covering basic expenses, like rent or mortgage, food, utility bills and healthcare, and this fund will help support those needs."
 
The Horizon Foundation has given $20,000 in emergency relief to the Community Action Council of Howard County to help buy food for Head Start families and for the Food Bank. Horizon also has contributed $40,000 to jump-start the emergency funds established by the Community Foundation of Howard County, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County.
 
“We know the short and long-term impact of COVID-19 will have lasting implications and will disproportionately affect community members who are earning hourly wages, going without health insurance, needing child care and facing financial hurdles,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. "The Horizon Foundation and the Howard County funding community are here to support the needs of our most vulnerable residents and frontline health care workers as we work collaboratively to plan for the future to assist those who may be most affected in the months ahead."
 
The Howard County funding community is working together to ensure that each fund has maximum reach and effectiveness, and are urging donors and the community at large to look for opportunities to support the critical needs of nonprofits they wish to help. 

"The Women's Giving Circle, our donors, and the local funding community will continue to explore the path forward in providing relief to our neighbors and we look forward to the strength this partnership brings in supporting and enhancing these efforts," said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. "We are all in this together."
 
Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has established the Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.

 

• The United Way of Central Maryland encourages community members to call 211, which is open at all times, for help finding food or shelter, paying bills, getting care or finding tax assistance. United Way is also working to mobilize volunteers and has established the new COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.

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• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is inviting donations through its Emergency Response Network that will go directly to the Community Action Council to assist in providing adequate amounts of food to support Head Start families in Howard County. The organization has matched the first $5,000 and is continuing to accept donations. The WGC will continue to call on donors through the ERN in the coming weeks and months ahead. The WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle (YWGC) raised $1,500 that will be given to HopeWorks ($750) and CAC ($750) to purchase feminine hygiene products.

As Howard County works to respond to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations will continue to collaborate to assist community stakeholders, business leaders and public sector leaders to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response.
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