United Way Receives $1.1 Million Grant For COVID-19 Economic Relief

TERRE HAUTE, Ind – The United Way of the Wabash Valley announced Monday (4/20/20) that it has been approved to receive a $1,100,000 COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant. It was made possible through a partnership between Lilly Endowment, Inc. and Indiana United Ways, the state professional association of which United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV) is a member.

These special funds will be used to further enhance the work already underway with the local Wabash Valley COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The local fund was launched March 23 by a partnership between UWWV and the Wabash Valley Community Foundation. The goal is to assist service provider organizations helping individuals and families with immediate COVID-19-related financial needs not covered by government programs or other traditional relief sources.

The COVID-19 Economic Relief Initiative Grant calls for United Ways who receive funding to leverage partnerships and relationships to better meet COVID-related essential and basic needs and to address other COVID-19 critical issues as they emerge.

Richard Payonk

Richard Payonk, United Way Executive Director, said that the first of this funding will allow them to continue the Wabash Valley COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund short term grants, which have already provided assistance totaling nearly $175,000 to 39 local organizations.”

Those organizations wanting to apply can request up to a maximum of $5,000. Details on how to apply are available at uwwv.org/covid. If community members are interested in donating to the fund go to uwwv.org/covid or wvcf.org/covid