COVID-19 Response Fund Grant Recipients

In response to the arising needs regarding COVID-19, the UWSWMN staff and board had established the COVID-19 Response Fund to provide financial resources to local programs working on the front lines to provide critical direct services to those in need throughout our service area. As a reminder, UWSWMN cannot provide direct support to individuals but provides grant funding to local programs to do so. The board had set aside $21,500 to establish this fund and $15,495 was awarded.

The following programs were awarded grant funding, so that they can continue their work during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Lake Benton Food Shelf Program: awarded $500 to expand the amount of food and supplies at the food shelf.
  • Healthy Meals Program in Lyon County of Loaves and Fishes (Esther’s Kitchen): awarded $1,495 to cover the added cost of take away meal service in Lyon County.
  • LSS Meals & Meals on Wheels Program of Lutheran Social Services of MN: awarded $2,500 to help cover costs to offer an additional daily meal to Lyon County (Marshall, Tracy, Balaton) seniors.
  • Healthy Snack Bags Program of Marshall Food4Kids: awarded $1,250 to purchase food for increased distribution.
  • Canby Food Shelf/Senior Meals Program Prairie Five Community Action Council: awarded $1,250 to purchase food for all ages in Yellow Medicine County and Prairie Five senior dining to get food and personal care products delivered to seniors’ doors.
  • Tyler Area Food Shelf: awarded $1,000 to purchase nutritious food for distribution.
  • Emergency Housing-Homeless Prevention Program of United Community Action Partnership: awarded $1,500 to provide direct assistance to help people get caught up on rent to hopefully prevent homelessness.
  • Emergency Services Program of United Community Action Partnership: awarded $2,500 to provide assistance during the crisis for things that are not covered by any other program.
  • Elderly and School Services Program of Western Mental Health Center: awarded $1,500 to provide direct client services virtually or by telephone.
  • Mental Health Marketing Program of Woodland Centers: awarded $500 to provide direct client services virtually or by telephone.
  • Emergency Assistance Program of WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Program, Inc.: awarded $1,500 to purchase gas and food gift cards along with miscellaneous needs for clients.

UWSWMN is now accepting applications for the second round of COVID-19 Response Fund Grants. More information and the application can be accessed at www.unitedwayswmn.org and the deadline to apply is May 21 at 4:00 p.m.

We ask for your support in helping people through the 35 communities in our service area. If you are able to make a financial contribution to this fund, please consider doing so in the near future. All donations will support local programs helping local people who are struggling due to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit www.unitedwayswmn.org for more information.

UWSWMN is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent by law.  Please check with your tax adviser about the new provisions in the CARES Act to allow a tax deduction for donations up to $300, even if you take the standard deduction.

A gift to the UWSWMN COVID-19 Response Fund is a great way to join the fight for the health and financial stability of all people living in the UWSWMN service area. As social distancing becomes our new normal, a donation can transcend isolation and help support those most in need.

Today, you can answer the call for compassion. In a time of uncertainty, you can share the gift of hope.  Donations can be sent to COVID-19 Response Fund, UWSWMN, PO Box 41, Marshall, MN  56258; or made securely online at www.unitedwayswmn.org/covid19donation.