SUMMER 2020
OFF the SHELF A NEWSLETTER FROM THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA
Philanthropic Community Responds to City in Crisis Philadelphia’s philanthropic community has come together in response to the immense difficulty and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating its strength and its commitment to our city, our vital nonprofit organizations, and the millions of individuals who are facing enormous challenges during this unprecedented crisis. When most of us were just beginning to understand the increasing effects of the pandemic, philanthropic leaders linked arms, with remarkable speed and focus, to protect the future of our city. They brought together foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and government organizations to address the community needs that have been exacerbated by this crisis and to support citywide COVID-19 recovery efforts.
the pandemic. This critical source of funding will help to ensure the availability of childcare for families when parents are asked to return to their places of employment. Thanks to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, COVID-19 Arts Aid PHL is providing aid to organizations within the arts and culture sector, subsidizing small and mid-size organizations and working artists impacted by the crisis’s economic effects. The Philadelphia COVID-19 Community Information Fund— created by the Independence Public Media Foundation, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund—supports media outlets and community organizations that circulate accurate and actionable information about the pandemic. The National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts are also providing vital funding to Philadelphia organizations during the closures to ensure the sustainability of our city’s treasured cultural resources.
One of the first philanthropic relief initiatives, the PHL COVID-19 Fund was launched mid-March by the Philadelphia Foundation, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and the City of Philadelphia. With a lead gift of $3 million from the William Penn Foundation, the fund is now supported by many individuals, private foundations, and organizations, and is providing aid to groups offering vital services and resources to the city’s most disadvantaged. “This is a moment without parallel. It was important to act with By the end of April, the fund had already awarded over $7.3 million to urgency to help organizations address critical needs,” says Janet nearly 200 nonprofits. Haas, Board Chair, William Penn Foundation. “As we think about recovery and work together to address the long-term impacts The William Penn Foundation and the Vanguard Strong Start for of this crisis, we must be guided by our collective sense of Kids Program have launched the Philadelphia Emergency Fund responsibility to one another.” for Stabilization of Early Education to support childcare providers facing financial hardship during this period of closure and to During these difficult times, the Free Library of Philadelphia is encourage the development of new methods to help families during grateful to be part of a unified and resilient city. We are inspired by and thankful to the organizations and individuals offering crucial support to Philadelphia residents and institutions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PHOTO CREDIT: ALBERT LEE (TEAM URPHILLYPAL)
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