Foundation COVID-19 Fund Awards $71,950

POTTSTOWN, June 30, 2020—The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation has awarded 34 grants totaling $71,950 through the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund. The fund supports social services in the Foundation’s service area and micro businesses within the borough of Pottstown impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.    

Social service grants totaled $50,000.  The largest share of funds—$14,500—went towards causes that address food insecurity.  Micro businesses received $21,950, with the majority of the funding supporting minority-owned businesses.  Award amounts for social services and micro businesses ranged from $1,250 to $2,500. The accelerated grants process provides funds to deliver resources quickly to nonprofits that serve the most vulnerable and businesses with annual revenue of under $250,000. 

A rapid grants committee was formed to ensure the most efficient use of funds. Foundation staff members partnered with anchor institution representatives, including Donald Smith of Montgomery County Community College, Casey Fenoglio and Robin McMonagle from Pottstown Hospital Tower Health, David Livengood and Jaime Parris of Pottstown School District, and Cathy Skitko and Twila Fisher of the Hill School.

“There’s an urgent need to address the impact of coronavirus in the Pottstown community head-on, especially for historically underserved populations in our service area,” said Howard Brown, program officer and chair of the rapid grants committee.

Members of the community have supported the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund with $3,710 in donations.  Contributions are still being accepted online and by check.

Another round of micro business grant applications will begin next week. Applications may be submitted through the fund’s web form from July 6-13.