$100K Raised In 10 Days To Help HoCo Groups During Coronavirus

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — HoCoRespond.com, a campaign established by four local philanthropies, set a goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days that would be used to support Howard County nonprofits through emergency funds during the new coronavirus pandemic. Organizers were thrilled when the $100,000 goal was surpassed, opening up the funds to support nonprofits who are on the front line of the pandemic. Nonprofits can apply now through April 10 for a grant.

Applicants should be 501(c)3 nonprofits providing services in and to Howard County Maryland residents. The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County will collaborate to assess where assistance may be needed, provide funding and accept donations.

“Howard County Funders are coordinating to raise and deploy critical resources to nonprofits on the frontlines of responding to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, in a statement. “We are here to support our community.”

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Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, said that those nonprofits who meet the basic needs of Howard County residents are eligible for operating support, including those that provide childcare, food, housing, health care and mental health services, as well as those that support the local health care system and front line health care workers.

HoCoRespond.com continues to accept donations and will soon announce a second round of funding for Howard County nonprofits. Donors can contribute to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:

• The Community Foundation of Howard County has established the Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County.
• The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need.
• The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN) for donors to support specific needs in the community that the WGC will match in the coming weeks and months ahead.

“We will continue exploring the path forward in providing relief to our community and look forward to leveraging our strengths and working with others to make a bigger difference together than we might otherwise make alone” said WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle.

"These are unprecedented times and we are grateful for both our nonprofit community coming together to provide critical support, and for donors stepping up to respond” added Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “This is Howard County at its best."

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