In an effort to help our community during the COVID-19 situation, K21 Health Foundation is teaming up with other area funders to identify and address the needs of non-profits who serve our community. Last week, K21, Kosciusko County Community Foundation, The United Way of Kosciusko County, and Zimmer-Biomet Foundation announced that they are issuing an initial $20,000 in grants to area service organizations.
A joint statement release on Friday, March 20, 2020 said, “Earlier this week, we met with community leaders and nonprofit leaders via small groups and video conferencing to help us understand the most immediate needs resulting from COVID-19. We anticipate significant increases in the use of food and assistance as a result of layoffs in the food, retail, and services sectors. As funders, we are united in our commitment to continually monitor community needs and readily respond to challenges as they arise.”
The first wave of grants will be focused on a group of food and assistance organizations located in Kosciusko County, who indicated they are already seeing an increase in clients. Those include Combined Community Services, Salvation Army, the Syracuse Food Pantry, the North Webster Food Pantry, the Harvest Market Pantry, the Pierceton Food Pantry, the pantry at Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church in Silver Lake, and Family Christian Development Center.
These grants are considered the first wave of relief, with additional grants to be released in the coming weeks as needs evolve. These funders will continue to work together in the best interest of our great community.
