Dear EBCF Community,
The East Bay Community Foundation is fortunate to be part of a compassionate, generous, and resilient community. In these times especially, the health, safety and well-being of our partners, staff and neighbors remains our top priority. Below, we’ve outlined some of the steps we’re taking to minimize the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) and help “flatten the curve.” Because of the rapidly changing environment, we encourage everyone to closely monitor updates and review valuable health and safety resources from the Centers for Disease Control as well as local health departments.
We encourage everyone to continue to support local nonprofit organizations that work with people and families who are most susceptible. Community health centers, homeless shelters, pre-school and after-school programs, food pantries and other organizations, which are already dealing with reductions in state and federal funding, will be further stretched. To help protect public health, we urge you to support regional and local COVID-19 response efforts.
Funds will go to those who may face health effects or financial hardship from this public health crisis. For EBCF fundholders who wish to make a grant from your Donor Advised Fund, please log into Donor Central and follow the instructions on the home page. Those interested in specific recommendations are encouraged to contact their relationship manager or e-mail Alexandra Aquino-Fike, VP of Development.
EBCF continues to be in discussions with local health organizations, government agencies and the corporate community to determine additional ways to direct resources to address the economic consequences of this outbreak. As the broader, long-term impact of COVID-19 on East Bay communities comes into focus, we will share those new developments as they arise.
Finally, as the first set of invitations to complete Census 2020 forms arrive in mailboxes this week, the impact of COVID-19 on collection efforts could further compromise a census already facing enormous challenges to an accurate count. As such, EBCF encourages everyone to respond – either online, by phone or by mail.
Remote Work / Restricting Office Access
- Based on recommendations from public health officials, all EBCF staff will temporarily work remotely beginning Monday, March 16th thru Tuesday April 7th.
- Our main numbers, (510) 836-3223 (Oakland) and (925) 280-0142 (Walnut Creek) will be answered as normal from 9am – 5pm weekdays and all staff will remain accessible.
- During this time, grants processing and distribution will continue. Any grants submitted by fundholders will be processed as quickly as possible during this period.
- Events scheduled in the James Irvine Foundation Conference Center will be cancelled through the end of the month. Groups that have scheduled use of the space will be notified directly via phone and/or e-mail.
- Finally, as global markets continue to experience volatility, we want to assure fundholders and partners that EBCF focuses on making investments with an eye towards the long-term and sustaining the wellbeing of our region. Our Investment Committee will continue to monitor our investments in the days and weeks ahead.
Following guidelines from the State, CDC and local public health officials, we will review this policy on a daily basis and provide additional updates and recommendations as necessary in the coming days/weeks ahead via e-mail, ebcf.org, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn; including when we might safely resume onsite business operations.
As this remains a complicated and rapidly evolving situation, we are reminded that we are all part of a broader society with a responsibility to care for one another. On behalf of the Foundation’s Board and staff, we extend our deepest gratitude for all of your support, strength, generosity, and resiliency.
Sincerely,
James W. Head
President and Chief Executive Officer
East Bay Community Foundation
