United Way of the CSRA and the Community Foundation for the CSRA today announced $121,000 will be distributed to local nonprofits in the third round of grants provided through the CSRA COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. The United Way and Community Foundation announced the creation of this emergency fund on March 20 to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic serving our most vulnerable populations. To date, $526,000 has been directed to local relief efforts across the first three phases of grants from the fund.

The following organizations will receive a collective $121,000 as part of the third round of grants:
Boys and Girls Clubs of the CSRA ($45,000) – This grant will support an online academic assistance program created by Boys and Girls Clubs of the CSRA to provide structure and support for distance learning environments. Working with youth and families enrolled in Boys and Girls Clubs, the program is designed to fill technology gaps, help parents who may not have the skills necessary to home school their children, and provide a routine that keeps the students on schedule for promotion.

theClubhou.se ($30,000) – A small business incubator and nonprofit, theClubhou.se has been asked by various public health providers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly face masks, using their 3D printers. These dollars will allow theClubhou.se to scale this production effort and provide PPE to local hospitals and first responders in the CSRA area. Artists and gig workers who are unemployed due to COVID-19 will be hired to help with this effort.

Miracle Making Ministries, Inc. ($16,000) – This grant will help the Druid Park based health clinic with additional costs for PPE, staff hours and technology needs associated with COVID-19. Additionally, these dollars will provide prescription assistance for existing patients who are suffering from hardships brought about by the virus.

The Bridge Ministry of the CSRA ($20,000) The Bridge Ministry has been on the front lines of helping the homeless and those living in extreme poverty in our community for years. This grant will help them to purchase additional food which will serve the hard to access populations in Columbia, Richmond, Wilkes, and Lincoln Counties.

The Mosaic Center ($10,000) – This grant will help purchase food and provide other supportive services to residents who are living in Maxwell House Apartments in downtown Augusta. Many of the residents work in as-needed jobs in the hotel/hospitality industry. Due to COVID-19, most residents have not had the opportunity to work and need assistance.