Ross County, Ohio — Two leaders in Ross County philanthropy invite you to join them on Tuesday, May 5, for an extraordinary giving effort for COVID-19 relief and recovery.

The United Way of Ross County and the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation are bringing the Giving Tuesday movement, #GivingTuesdayNow, to Ross County. #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 – in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday – as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.  With many service-providing nonprofits seeing an increase in demand for critical services, coupled with canceled spring fundraising events, the day aims to bring people together (virtually) to support those who need it most.

“There is no greater need for solidarity and partnership than during a crisis”, said Rick W. Smith Sr., president and CEO of United Way of Ross County. Smith adds, “We witness the power of unity to create change every day at the United Way.  In times like these, our first responders, nonprofits and schools always step forward together to support our communities. This is one way that we can support them.”

“This crisis can be a defining moment of solidarity. Our nonprofits are on the front lines, and they need everyone’s generous support to respond to the unprecedented need created by this pandemic”, said Scott Graham, executive director of the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation. Graham adds, “The foundation recognizes nonprofit resources are, and will continue to be strained over this unprecedented event, due to the need for them to expand and modify how they deliver their services.  We want to do everything we can to help them help our community.”

Three local funds have been created to help support our area nonprofits and schools.

The Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation created the Coronavirus Emergency Fund to make immediate, emergency grant awards to help local nonprofits assisting individuals and families affected as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. The fund will distribute grants to nonprofit organizations that provide for basic human needs, such as food, medical assistance and shelter.

The United Way of Ross County established two funds:  the United Way of Ross County COVID-19 Micro-Grant Fund and the United Way of Ross County COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, as a response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.  The Micro-Grant Fund is available to local nonprofits and K-12 schools supporting those who may be impacted by the virus. The grants total up to $500 per agency or school and must go towards virus-related aid.  The COVID-19 Relief Fund supports Nonprofit organizations, schools and religious organizations that are serving larger community needs in the areas of Food, Housing, Transportation, Senior Citizens and Financial Stability in Ross County. This fund will provide larger grants of up to $15,000 to applying agencies.

To learn more about or to support the United Way of Ross County, click here.   To learn more about or to support the Chillicothe-Ross Community Foundation, click here.