Local agencies applying for grants through the United Way COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund must do so by Monday, April 6 to be considered for the first round of allocations, which will be released April 15. Subsequent deadlines will be on the 1st of each month, with funding allocations released the 15th of each month. Agencies are eligible to make requests during each grant cycle.

    The United Way COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund was established to support Human Service Organizations as they respond pragmatically to the needs of individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic consequences. Applications will be reviewed by the 815 Community Response Team Grant Making Committee.*

    Priorities for funding are, but are not limited to:

    Emergency Supports

    • Housing

    o   Utility Assistance

    o   Medical Assistance

    • Basic Necessities

    o   Childcare

    o   Food

    o   Transportation

    • Resources for Human Service Organizations as they respond to their clients’ needs

    In order to be eligible for a grant allocation from the United Way COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund, nonprofit agencies must:

    • Be a 501(c)(3) Organization
    • Be in operation and providing human services in Boone, Winnebago, Ogle or Stephenson counties for at least three years
    • Have an active, local Board of Directors comprised of nonpaid volunteers who meet at least quarterly
    • Maintain an annual operating budget
    • Agree to the Emerging Needs Fund Memorandum of Understanding
    • Comply in a timely manner to a request for information

    To donate to the fund:

    • Text the word TOGETHER to 40403
    • Online at UnitedWayRRV.org
    • Mail a check made payable to United Way of Rock River Valley
      612 North Main Street, Suite 300
      Rockford, IL. 61103
      Indicate United Way COVID-19 Emerging Needs Fund in the memo line of the check.

    * The 815 Community Response Team Grant Making Committee is a partnership of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, The Kjellstrom Foundation, the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE), and United Way of Rock River Valley, which are part of the 815 Community Response Team that also includes Transform Rockford and the Workforce Connection