Additionally, the MCFF Advisory Committee approved allocating $25,000 from its 2020 spring grant cycle to start the account. The account will also be open to others in the community to make local, tax-deductible donations to focus on the response and recovery to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A committee of local volunteers will determine how funds can best be distributed to support the work of community-based organizations. Grant-making possibilities include (but are not limited to):

-- To schools to assist with technology and other needs related to remote learning

-- To schools or food banks providing assistance to families whose children rely on school programs for meals

-- To 501(c)(3) public charities that are addressing the immediate needs of economically vulnerable populations caused by lost work, closures, and cancellations related to COVID-19

-- To 501(c)(3) public charities that are addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable elderly populations who may be at high risk due to COVID-19

-- To 501(c)(3) or governmental healthcare organizations (including hospitals and public health districts) that are addressing increased demand for medical information and support, including mental health services

-- To 501(c)(3) public charities or governmental entities that are addressing fear and confusion about the outbreak among the community’s most vulnerable residents, including those with limited English language proficiency

-- To 501(c)(3) public charities to focus on community resilience as recovery from the outbreak proceeds

-- To 501(c)(3) public charities to help them maintain operations as other funding sources may decline

The MCFF Advisory Committee feels the new account meets its mission to connect and impact the community through intentional investment of time and financial resources.

“In keeping with our purpose, we are working to connect our actions with community needs,” said Cindy Huff, chairperson of MCFF, which operates as an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation.

“When challenges arise, our generous network of volunteers responds,” said Jeff Yost, president and CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation. “The qualities and values that make Nebraskans unique -- love of community and concern for our neighbors -- are precisely the principles that will help us navigate the chaos and fear that surround us. We are proud of and grateful to MCFF for their proactive actions in this unprecedented time.”

Funding priorities for the COVID-19 Response Account may change as the situation evolves and the community adapts. Grants from the account will be made only to 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental entities; this includes schools and churches. Grants will not be made to individuals or for-profit businesses.

Contributions may be made to the COVID-19 Response Account online through a link at mccookfoundation.org. Grant application forms are also available on the MCFF website and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While grant funds have been directed toward the COVID-19 response, some funds remain for MCFF”s regular spring grant cycle, but the deadline has been pushed back from April 1 to May 1. Applications for both the COVID-19 Response Account and the MCFF grant program are available on the MCFF website or by contacting MCFF coordinator, Ronda Graff, 308-340-3412.