WINSTON-SALEM—The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, Forsyth County’s largest private foundation and one of the largest in the state, today announced $1.5 million in immediate, flexible funding to respond to COVID-19 in Forsyth County and throughout North Carolina.
“It’s urgent that we help our most vulnerable residents and those living in marginalized communities, who are less likely to have access to quality health care and more likely to suffer long-term consequences such as loss of health or income from this widespread health crisis,” said Dr. Laura Gerald, president of the Trust. “We recognize the unique position the Trust is in to be flexible and innovative as we work to support communities and residents in Forsyth County and across North Carolina during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Working closely with its trustee, Wells Fargo, the Trust released $1.5 million in grant funding immediately to help North Carolina residents and communities.
“As health funders it was important to respond quickly and get flexible funding out, as many of our grantees and partners are on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Dr. Gerald. “We know this is not enough—far more state and federal resources are needed—but we also know our healthcare systems and local nonprofits need flexible funding now and can’t afford to wait. That’s why we acted quickly and released immediate grant dollars to organizations battling COVID-19.”
Forsyth County
The Trust granted $500,000 to the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County established by The Winston-Salem Foundation, the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, United Way of Forsyth County, and Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
The fund will provide flexible resources for immediate, emerging, and long-term needs to organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak. The fund is designed to complement the work of government and public health officials to address all aspects of the outbreak in Forsyth County.
Initial funding will benefit disproportionately impacted individuals and families including:
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Residents without health insurance and/or access to paid sick leave
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Individuals experiencing homelessness
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Healthcare workers
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Hospitality and service industry workers
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Unauthorized immigrant populations
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Communities of color, and in particular, residents with limited English language proficiency
With the Trust’s investment, the COVID-19 Response Fund for Forsyth County has now raised more than $2 million and will continue accepting donations of all sizes. An application process for organizations to request funds will be available by March 27. Visit covid19forsyth.org to learn more.
North Carolina
The Trust granted $1 million to the North Carolina Healthcare Association Foundation (NCHA) in response to the COVID-19 crisis. NCHA is a membership organization of hospitals, health systems, and clinics and is taking a lead role in responding to COVID-19 while helping other safety net providers stay abreast of developments at the state and national levels.
Hospitals and associated clinics, free clinics, and health centers regularly see Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured patients. Shoring up these organizations during this crisis is a vital component in the overall strategy to mitigate and limit the effects of the virus. This grant is for flexible support to help fill gaps where state and federal funds fall short.
Of the $1 million in funding, NCHA will receive $500,000 for hospitals, $250,000 for the North Carolina Free and Charitable Clinics, and $250,000 for the North Carolina Community Health Center Association. These funds may be used for a variety of needs, including, but not limited to medical supplies, personal protective equipment, testing kits, and telehealth solutions.