Coronavirus-Response Fund Zooms To $9M In 3 Days In Puget Sound

SEATTLE, WA — Donations from area philanthropists, business partners and area residents boosted the Seattle Foundation's COVID-19 Response Fund from $2 million to more than $9 million in a mere three days, according to officials.

Since its Monday launch, the fund, intended to deploy aid to Puget Sound-area organizations struggling with coronavirus fallout, grew from $2 million to $9.2 million, the Seattle Foundation said.

The fund was bolstered by a $3 million donation from Connie and Steve Ballmer, as well as gifts from BECU, Bezos Family Foundation, Costco Wholesale Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Perigee Fund, Premera Blue Cross and Raikes Foundation, officials said.

“Since the fund launched on Monday, we’ve been moved by the leadership of donors, large and small,” said Seattle Foundation President and CEO Tony Mestres. “The evolving outbreak and necessary restrictions announced by public officials mean life will get more difficult for all of us, but particularly for people who are most vulnerable. I know we can count on this community to keep stepping up to help people who need support in these uncertain times.”

The COVID-19 Response Fund, managed by the Seattle Foundation, will provide flexible resources to organizations working with local communities "disproportionately impacted" by coronavirus and its economic consequences, organizers said. Grants will fund agencies with community roots and serving such residents as those without health insurance, access to sick days, limited English-language proficiency, gig-economy jobs and those in communities of color.

“The health and economic impact of COVID-19 places great strain on families," said Perigee Fund executive director Becca Graves. "And as schools and childcare providers close, parents and grandparents face impossible choices between paid work, caregiving, and even protecting their own health, we are grateful for all the ways in which our community is mobilizing to recognize the impact of lost wages and more limited social services, and to support caregivers as they make these impossible choices.”

The Seattle Foundation, founded in 1946, is not accepting funding requests, opting instead to administer grants in partnership with United Way of King County and King County Pandemic Community Advisory Group. An initial round of grants will be announced within the next few weeks, the agency said.

Individuals and organizations interested in donating or seeking more information can visit www.seattlefoundation.org/covid19.

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