Main Street Community Foundation (MSCF) has launched Phase 2 of its COVID-19 Response Fund grant program. MSCF is now accepting applications for operating support grants to provide flexible general operating resources to nonprofit organizations affected by COVID-19. The deadline to apply is Friday, August 14, 2020 at 4 p.m. To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Operating grants will be awarded to 501(c)(3) not for profit organizations and other charitable organizations able to receive tax-deductible contributions per MSCF’s discretion.
• The nonprofit organization must have a main office in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington or Wolcott and be serving a significant population in those communities.
• The nonprofit organization must have an existing relationship with MSCF.
• Grants are one-time and may range from $2,500 - $10,000.

To apply for a grant, organizations who meet the above criteria must contact Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants & Programs, at kate@mainstreetfoundation.org or 860-583-6363 for a preliminary discussion at least 7 business days prior to the August 14, 2020 deadline.

In March, MSCF established the COVID-19 Response Fund to help local communities mobilize the necessary resources to support emerging needs in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. Phase 1 of the COVID-19 grant program provided rapid response grants to support nonprofit organizations on the front lines providing basic needs to local residents.

As of June 30th, the total grants awarded by MSCF to support COVID-19 Response and Recovery Efforts was $105,830.

MSCF is still accepting donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund from individual donors, businesses and other funders. To help your communities during this crisis, donations can be made at www.mainstreetfoundation.org/covid19-fund.