Q/A with Tracy Sibbing, Vice President of Community Impact
The outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has created an increased strain on individuals and families in the Dayton region. To assist those impacted by the virus, The Dayton Foundation and United Way of the Greater Dayton Area (UWGDA), along with a coalition of philanthropic, government and other individual partners, have joined together to establish the COVID-19 Response Fund for Greater Dayton.
What is the fund meant to address?
The fund addresses basic needs, financial assistance and mental health as it relates to people affected by COVID-19. The fund supports charitable organizations whose work focuses on immediate basic human needs, mental health and the economic impact on individuals caused by reduced or lost work due to the outbreak.
What types of organizations can apply for a grant?
Any qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization can apply. All applications need to include supporting documents including: a copy of the organization’s IRS letter of determination, a list of board members including compensation information and terms of office, an organizational chart listing key staff and a copy of the balance sheet/income statement with the latest audit information.
How are funds distributed?
There is an application process which has been streamlined to ensure fluidity and responsiveness. A committee of representatives from the Mathile Family Foundation, Physician’s Charitable Trust, Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, Montgomery County Human Services and Development, UWGDA and the Dayton Foundation reviews applications twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays.
All funds are distributed through electronic fund transfer and require an authorization form to process the transfer. Applications are reviewed upon receipt and in most cases, a response is provided the day they are received. Once approved, funds are distributed within a week.
How can individuals make donations?
Donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund can be made by visiting https://dayton-unitedway.org/ or https://www.daytonfoundation.org/ccgift.html?fund=COVID_19_Response_Fund_for_Greater_Dayton_1652. Checks are also accepted. Please indicate in the memo line that the check is for the COVID-19 Response Fund.
Do you have any additional information for the community?
We’ve been able to invest $800,000 to area nonprofits in Montgomery, Greene, Preble, Miami and Warren counties. As this pandemic continues, needs will increase and we encourage people to consider a donation to ensure there are resources available to meet these needs.
