COVID-19 COMMUNITY RESPONSE
Emergency Fund offers hope, thanks to kindness of donors
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he Columbus Foundation was born in the midst of World War II, during one of our country’s darkest, most frightening times. But even these past events could not have prepared us for the challenges and uncertainty 2020 would bring. When the first cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the United States, there was no denying the virus, once a threat affecting those halfway around the world, would impact us locally. It wasn’t long before the pandemic took hold in central Ohio, upending lives due to a state-wide shutdown and an economy that ground to a halt. In the early days of the pandemic, before even the first cases in Ohio were confirmed, the Foundation’s leadership recognized there would be immediate implications for the nonprofits serving our community. Whether on the front lines of healthcare, food, housing, education, or childcare, all who serve our community would be challenged by the crisis at hand. On March 10, just one day after the first case in Ohio was announced, the Foundation’s
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COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund (ERF) was established to support Franklin County nonprofit organizations as they responded to the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Being prepared was important, as was providing an immediate opportunity for our donor family and others to support efforts that would combat the growing crisis. “Readiness is all,” said Douglas F. Kridler, President and CEO of the Foundation, when the new fund was established. “Of course, we hope none of these steps are needed and that there will be little or no spread of COVID-19, but we want to be ready so we don’t have to rush if things turn worse. It is our responsibility to our community to do so. We cannot forsake forethought, kindness, and love in the presence of concern and fear.” Response from Columbus Foundation donors was remarkable. During a bleak time that called for courage, strength, and kindness, those looking for a way to help address the needs and equip nonprofits for a surge in needed services came forward to
“I believe we are united by a culture of selflessness and an aspiration that our community’s prosperity will be defined by the extent to which we can care for one another, and how well we are able to create shared opportunity for everyone.” —MATT SCANTLAND, COLUMBUS FOUNDATION DONOR
COLUMBUS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2020 COLUMBUS FOUNDATION
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