As the local economy prepare for the financial impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Williamsburg Community Foundation has established a fund to help.
The fund would provide flexible grants to nonprofit organizations that provide services to residents in the community, according to WCF’s website.
“Williamsburg is a caring and resilient community that has a strong history of working together on issues of common concern,” said Nancy Sullivan, executive director of the foundation, in a news release. “As a Community Foundation we have a role to play in bringing resources together to respond to emerging issues like this pandemic.”
The fund is designed to provide local nonprofits with support they will need as the economy takes a hit from the coronavirus.
Money from the fund will help organizations who directly assist residents who may have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Nonprofits include those that would with seniors, children, those with health conditions, tourism and hospitality.
Williamsburg Vice Mayor Doug Pons and Councilman Benny Zhang on Thursday pledged $10,000 of their personal money to start the fund, according to a news release on Zhang’s Facebook page.
“As a lifelong Williamsburg resident, I have experienced many economic cycles – the good and the bad,” Pons said in the news release. “What I’ve learned is that our community is at its best when we come together in difficult times.”
Information about criteria for the grant and fund distribution will be released in coming weeks, according to the website. In the meantime, the foundation will be in contact with local governments to ensure the funds are reaching populations most hurt by the virus.
“Moving forward, our board, staff and community volunteers will work closely with local leaders in the public and private sector to ensure that these funds get to where they are needed most,” Sullivan said.
The foundation also plans to waive its normal administrative fee so all funds can be used with the nonprofits directly.
Any grant from this fund will not be given to individuals.
If there are any remaining funds left after distribution, they will be used to future local disaster relief efforts.
Donations to the fund can be done online or by mailing a check.
For more information, visit the Williamsburg Community Foundation online.
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