FAQ: COVID-19 Response Fund

What types of organizations will this fund support?  

This fund will support public, tax-exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or those organizations working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent who can receive funds on their behalf.  

Is there a geographic area of focus for the fund?

The COVID-19 Response Fund will prioritize community-based organizations in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.

Will you share who you fund?

Of course! A current list of grant recipients is available on the COVID-19 Response Fund page, along with short descriptions of the services and support they are providing. This page will be updated as we make new grants. You can also follow the latest COVID-19 Response Fund news on our blog. 

Can I restrict my donation to a specific organization?

To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to the needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations at this time. The COVID-19 Response Fund was created in hopes of providing a way to quickly coordinate as many resources as possible. 

Should I give to this fund instead of making other donations?

This fund was not created to be the only vehicle for getting needed resources into the community, but to help facilitate getting more targeted resources into the community efficiently. This is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community. 

What is included in the first phase of funding?

The first phase of this work is intended to be a rapid response to immediate needs. As we learn more about our local needs and the changing nature of this unprecedented situation, we will adapt our process. Operating grants will fund organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with residents without health insurance and/or access to sick days, people with limited English language proficiency, healthcare, and low-wage workers, and communities of color, among others. Further phases will be adapted as we learn more  

I’m an individual who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can this fund help me?

We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to experience its effects. On behalf of the fund’s partners, the Omaha Community Foundation is working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most vulnerable to emerging health, economic, and social impacts. 

While the fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, it is funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. Funds have been granted to a number of local nonprofits—a list of those organizations is on the COVID-19 Response Fund page and you may contact those nonprofits directly. If you are looking for resources now, please consider connecting with United Way’s  211.  

My organization is interested in receiving resources from this fund. Can we be considered?

We understand the COVID-19 outbreak is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. We are working closely with community partners to ensure that the grants awarded meet the greatest needs in communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Please complete this questionnaire to let us know your needs and we will be in touch. If you have previously applied for an Omaha Community Foundation grant, you just need to log in to complete the questionnaire. If you have never applied for a grant before, you’ll need to create an account (it’s easy!) before you can complete the questionnaire.

You may also visit the COVID-19 Nonprofit Resources page for more information and resources. 

Have additional questions? Contact us