Foundation: Relief Funds Set Up For Nonprofits Amid Coronavirus

NATICK, MA — The Foundation for MetroWest has set up two funds to raise money for local nonprofits dealing with the new coronavirus outbreak, including food banks in Framingham.

One of the emergency relief funds will give one-time grants to local nonprofits that are "addressing critical needs or have experienced financial challenges" due to COVID-19. The second is the Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund, which in partnership with the city of Framingham will benefit food banks.

With school out until early April and many people dealing with job losses, nonprofits like Daniel's Table, Project Bread, and A Place To Turn have stepped in to provides meals to students and residents.

The United Way of Tri-County's Pearl St. Cupboard, meanwhile, has begun giving out hot meals to go daily at 5 p.m. on top of the food bank operations.

READ: Coronavirus: Where Students, Residents Can Get Food In Framingham

But other nonprofits are feeling the COVID-19 pinch. Framingham's ātac (Amazing Things Arts Center) is trying to raise $90,000 to stay afloat through the crisis. The venue had to cancel all programming through at least the end of March due to restrictions on gatherings in Massachusetts. As of Thursday morning, ātac had raised just under $40,000.

The Center for Arts in Natick has also had to cancel all programming through March, and partially in April.

The Foundation for MetroWest hopes to start giving out grants to local nonprofits in the next few weeks.

Here's where you can donate:

• Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund
• MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund