The Columbus Foundation has announced the Emergency Response Fund which has been activated to help Franklin County nonprofit organizations that are responding to the spread of COVID-19 and experiencing financial challenges by doing so.

The Foundation will be prioritizing health and human services organizations. As such, they are not likely to award additional grants through the Emergency Response Fund to arts organizations receiving general operating support from The Columbus Foundation’s 2020 arts grantmaking. While there is not a prohibition on arts organizations applying, consideration will be given to whether the applying organization already is receiving timely and generous support from the Foundation at this challenging time.

Eligibility Criteria

• Franklin County nonprofits are eligible to apply and receive support.
• The Columbus Foundation is accepting applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Franklin County that have been directly impacted by the Coronavirus. Applications may be submitted that detail and document unexpected loss of revenue and/or unexpected increases in expenses directly related to the Coronavirus. Foundation staff will expedite the review of such applications in an effort to aid in the community-wide response to Coronavirus in central Ohio.
• Potential financial awards from the Nonprofit Emergency Fund: Coronavirus will likely only serve to assist and supplement towards the total dollar amount realized—and should not be expected to supplant or replace in entirety.
• Requests for emergency funding addressing Coronavirus’ direct impact resulting in unexpected loss of revenue and/or unexpected increases in expenses should be specifically related to the organization’s mission, service delivery, and or core functions.

For more information, visit Emergency Response Fund.