A placeholder image of a person holding their hand up and holding a megaphone

COVID-19: “A Just East Bay” Response Fund Will Disperse Funding to Nonprofits Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis in the East Bay.

In response to the impact of COVID-19 on the health, safety and economic well-being of East Bay communities, the East Bay Community Foundation Board of Trustees today announced the allocation of $1,000,000 from its endowment to provide needed support for the most vulnerable communities in the East Bay.

The approval of these funds will jumpstart existing fundraising efforts in response to the COVID-19 outbreak including seeding support for the Foundation’s “COVID-19: A Just East Bay Response Fund.” The pooled fund will deploy resources to organizations addressing the economic impact of the broader COVID-19 outbreak, including the immediate needs of organizations and individuals affected by coronavirus-related closures.

For some East Bay communities, the effect of the virus deepens the consequences of existing inequalities and exacerbates burdens for those at the lower end of polarized economies and labor markets. These are the communities that bear the brunt of both the immediate health crisis, as well as related mid-to long-term economic impacts of diminished income, additional healthcare costs, and additional childcare expenses.

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold regionally, “EBCF has been in ongoing discussions with local organization to assess our community’s needs,” said James Head, President & CEO. “What we’re hearing from groups is that simply put, families need money. This is a time when those most affected need resources for survival,” Mr. Head continued. “These are communities that are already impacted by inequities and whose needs have only been exacerbated during this unprecedented pandemic.”

EBCF’s community partners are already reporting significant economic impacts from revenue and budget shortages in the areas of programming support for the arts, education, health, housing, civic engagement, youth, economic development, and other vital community services. The COVID-19 Response Fund will help expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak as efficiently as possible, with an initial focus on nonprofit organizations providing critical services around economic security. “This decision from our Board of Trustees is reflective of the foundation’s larger commitment to social justice by supporting the most vulnerable East Bay Communities, who statistics show, are being more intensely impacted as a result of COVID-19,” offered Board Chair Hector Preciado.

At the outset, the COVID-19: “Just East Bay” Response Fund will target community groups that put policy and organizing at the core of their work and prioritize underserved populations that include undocumented immigrants, those currently unsheltered, employed in the cash economy (e.g. day laborers, domestic workers, etc.), uninsured youth, victims of domestic violence, and low-income seniors.

About East Bay Community Foundation

Founded in 1928, East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) connects donors with community-led movements to eliminate structural barriers, advance racial equity, and create an inclusive, fair, and just East Bay. Recognized as 2019’s “Boldest Community Foundation” by Inside Philanthropy, EBCF is committed to ensuring that all members of our community are treated fairly, with equitable opportunity and outcomes. EBCF is supported by 600 local donors and has charitable assets under management of over $600 million.

###

x