City Of Elgin: Elgin Covid Response Fund Announces Additional Funding Focused On Mental Health

Press release from the City of Elgin:

September 14, 2021

The City of Elgin, along with local and regional funders, announce details of an additional round of grant funding for the Elgin Covid Response Fund (ECRF). Thanks to a generous grant from United Way of Metro Chicago, the ECRF has an additional $25,000 to grant out to those individuals, families, and communities impacted by COVID-19 in Elgin. Beginning September 14, 2021, eligible nonprofits organizations can apply for grants online at www.cffrv.gives/elgin-apply, the application deadline is September 27, 2021. Applicants will receive a notice of grant decision the week of October 4, 2021.The ECRF seeks to disperse funds to organizations that are helping support Elgin residents during these uncertain times. In this round of grantmaking, the focus is on the increased need for mental health services as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic has given rise to an increase in mental health needs as children and adolescents navigate a major disruption to their lives and the COVID-related impacts on their families. Without intervention and support, there can be lasting consequences on the wellness of our youth, including their academic and socioemotional health.Eligibility Criteria:In order to be eligible, organizations should be located in the greater Elgin area and have a demonstrated history serving residents of the city of Elgin. Organizations and agencies without a history of serving Elgin are not eligible for ECRF. Organizations that received funding during the other round are eligible to apply for this round of funding.Funding Specifications:The grant is reserved for mental health service providers that provide clinical services to children and adolescents in Elgin. The grant prioritizes Elgin children and adolescents (ages 19 and under), who are from communities that are both disproportionately impacted by COVID and face barriers to mental health services. The funding can be used for mental health awareness, outreach, and services. Additionally, funding may also be used to help alleviate immediate needs of clients facing urgent, financial need as a result of the pandemic, such as:

• Medical costs associated with COVID
• Food and grocery support
• Housing/rental assistance
• Utilities
• PPE
• Childcare
• Transportation
• Education-related expenses

Purpose and Grant Amounts:

ECRF is awarding only one grant for a total of $25,000 restricted specifically for the purpose of providing mental health awareness and outreach, with the option of providing direct financial assistance to address immediate needs of clients facing urgent, financial need as a result of the pandemic. Eligible 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations can apply for the ECRF grant to administer the funds to individuals and families in need. The ECRF will prioritize those agencies applying to serve Elgin residents who are ineligible to receive benefits/assistance and those from vulnerable or disproportionately impacted communities.

The ECRF was created through the leadership of the following partners: City of Elgin, United Way Metro Chicago (formally United Way of Elgin), Grand Victoria Foundation, Seigle Family Foundation, Kaptain Family Trust, Wisdom Family Foundation and Hoffer Family Foundation. The fund is graciously hosted and administered at no cost by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. One hundred percent of the proceeds go back into the community.

To learn more about the Elgin Covid Response Fund visit: https://www.cffrv.org/elgin-covid.

This press release was produced by the City of Elgin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.