The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has awarded 16 grants totaling $654,754 through the Commonwealth COVID Grant Program in support of nonprofits providing relief to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The largest share of funds will provide financial support to families struggling to make ends meet," said Stephen Adams, president of the Community Foundation. "Four organizations- Making Opportunity Count, the Athol Area YMCA, Clear Path for Veterans New England and the Spanish American Center-will ensure this support reaches people in need across our region and, in particular, non-English speaking families and those for whom other services are not available."

Another focus of the grants is helping nonprofits that provide food to vulnerable populations so they can handle the higher volumes of demand brought on by the pandemic. Restoration Recovery, North Central MA Faith-Based Community Coalition and the Spanish American Center will be able to safely and more effectively provide food to homeless and other vulnerable people given COVID requirements. Growing Places will work to coordinate the availability of healthy food to families and seniors in need across the region.

Other emergency services for the region's homeless population are also supported by the program. South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) will staff a warming center and provide service coordination, while the AIDS Project Worcester North will gain support for its outreach work to homeless individuals in a COVID-19 environment.

The graph below illustrates how the Commonwealth COVID grant funds are being distributed.

Beyond financial support, food and homeless services, the isolation and economic distress caused by the pandemic has increased the need for other services. LUK will use the COVID grant to support vulnerable children in their care. Similarly, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging will extend their Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program to North Central Massachusetts, aiding grandparents facing the COVID-related challenges of raising school-age children. The YWCA of Central Massachusetts will provide support for the increased number of domestic violence survivors.

Learn how to establish a fund or make a donation.