The Community Foundation for Nantucket (CFN) announced today that they have awarded an additional $1 Million in Phase III Emergency Relief grants. To date, they have awarded more than $2 Million in COVID-19 Relief grants to 33 island nonprofits, benefiting the entire Nantucket community.
The Nantucket Fund for Emergency Relief was established in March. The outpouring of donor support was remarkable; this fund alone has received over 350 individual donations in the past 8 months.
Last month, CFN introduced Phase III unrestricted grants. The goal was to help nonprofits recover some of the revenue lost due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many nonprofit organizations were incredibly creative this spring and summer, yet restrictions on programming and gatherings impacted Island organizations significantly,” said Geoff Verney, CFN Board President. “I am so proud of the CFN board and staff for their tireless work to thoroughly vet and review so many applications promptly.”
Past phases of the Emergency Relief Grant Program supported critical human service organizations that were actively responding to the pandemic. Through these Phase III grants, the Foundation has supported local nonprofits in all sectors, broadening the impact of our donor funds.
“Most of our local nonprofits experienced significant losses due to COVID-19, especially in the areas of education, childcare, and arts/culture. Despite some effective virtual fund-raising this summer, which helped offset a portion of revenue losses due to program closures, we know that all nonprofits will rely on philanthropy more this year than ever before. It is our hope that this recent $1million in unrestricted Phase III grants to our nonprofit community will make a difference,” said Executive Director Margaretta Andrews.
“We are so very grateful to the donors who have supported our efforts through this fund. Awarding $2 million dollars to the Island community in just eight months is a major milestone for us as an organization. As this crisis continues to impact Nantucket, the importance of the Nantucket Fund for Emergency Relief is clear. Our grantmaking has become and will continue to be a vital resource for our year-round community,” said Verney.