Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund

In March of 2020, it became apparent that COVID-19 would have a huge impact on the Atlanta region. Children were out of school, businesses were temporarily closing, performances were shuttered and workers were being laid off. Over the course of a weekend, the Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Atlanta connected, planned and pulled together, creating the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund. Supported by a coalition of philanthropy, government and corporate partners, the COVID-19 Fund received donations from thousands of individuals, foundations and corporations.

The community needs were swift and urgent. Initial grants were focused on providing crucial services at scale to more vulnerable audiences, including seniors, families with children who normally receive free or reduced meals at school, front line workers and other families in need of childcare, homeowners and renters at risk for eviction, and hourly/low-wage workers. Families with access to resources were able to create learning pods or transition to working from home, but many front line workers were unable to quarantine. This increased exposure to COVID-19 was a leading cause for the disproportionate COVID-19 case rates.

As the weeks and months progressed, evidence showed specific populations disproportionately impacted — Black, Latinx, undocumented and immigrant populations. As the situation in our community evolved, the Fund pivoted to address rapidly changing needs, such as small business support and mental health. In 2020, the COVID-19 Fund mobilized over $25 million to 454 organizations in Atlanta.

The Fund has continued to evolve into 2021. While we are still in response mode, funding has shifted to recovery, including funding grassroots vaccine awareness efforts and advocacy. Learn more at cfgreateratlanta.org/COVID.

---

“The strength of our COVID-19 response was in our relationships – our partnerships and the co-investment of our donors. That is how we will move the needle on equity in Atlanta going forward.” – Frank Fernandez

---