Foundation Response: COVID-19 Relief Funds Awarded

April 9, 2020

Thursday, April 9, 2020

The Rees-Jones Foundation COVID-19 Response

During this time of need, The Rees-Jones Foundation remains committed to the North Texas community. To address urgent needs, The Foundation has invited nonprofit organizations in North Texas who are serving the vulnerable population most impacted by COVID-19 to submit a request for funding. 48 requests have been received and are under consideration as of April 9, 2020.

North Texas Food Bank is hiring those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 as paid volunteers through Shiftsmart (Photo Credit: North Texas Food Bank Facebook).

The Foundation is working closely with its board to ensure that decisions on urgent requests are timely and based on the evolving needs of the community.

In addition to The Foundation’s own grant making, The Foundation is collaborating with other foundations and funding organizations through the North Texas Cares initiative. This funder collaborative is providing support to organizations that work with people and communities who may be most negatively affected by COVID-19.

As of today, The Foundation has awarded the following grants.

North Texas Food Bank – $1,000,000

The North Texas Food Bank is incurring enormous costs while responding to the COVID-19 heath crisis in North Texas. These costs include those associated with the purchase, package, transport and delivery of food to community partner agencies and people adversely affected by this crisis. Additional expenses include those associated with acquiring supplies, materials and equipment, and hiring additional staff to replace volunteers in order to continue the organization’s ability to deliver food to those in need.

Crossroads continues to support their over 200 community pantry partners (Photo Credit: Crossroads Community Services Facebook).

Parkland Foundation – $700,000

Funding for two new virus-testing machines, the GeneExpert Infinity 48 System, for Parkland Health & Hospital System. These machines will enable Parkland’s clinicians to diagnose cases of the COVID-19 virus in less than an hour; currently the test results take between three and four hours. These machines can be utilized for testing other infections making them a long-term investment in the wellness of the community.

Crossroads Community Services, Inc. – $200,000

Funding will be used to offset expenses related to COVID-19. This will enable Crossroads to continue supporting their over 200 community pantry partners that provide boxes of pre-packaged, nutritious meals to low-income children and families in Dallas and the surrounding counties. Demand for their food pantry has increased as individuals find themselves abruptly unemployed and in need of resources.

The Dallas Foundation – $100,000

Contribution to The Dallas Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will provide funding to nonprofits that relieve the burden being placed on the public healthcare system, support the basic needs of low-income individuals and families, support childcare assistance for low-income families, address mental health needs and concerns, and support and sustain nonprofit operations and capacity-building needs during this time of disruption.

Hope Supply Co. has seen a 287 percent increase in demand since the COVID-19 outbreak (Photo Credit: Hope Supply Co. Facebook).

Communities Foundation of Texas – $100,000

Contribution to the North Texas Community Response Fund, which will be used to provide support for organizations that work with people and communities who may be most affected by COVID-19. This will include nonprofits that support individuals and families who need access to food, healthcare, and supplemental funds to cover lost wages and housing costs, and agencies that work with vulnerable populations such as seniors and the homeless.

Hope Supply Co. – $50,000

Funding for critically needed infant and toddler care resources. The Hope Diaper Bank provides diapers, baby formula, baby food, bottles and other items to local shelters and agencies that serve vulnerable families. Hope Supply Co. has experienced a 287 percent spike in demand since the COVID-19 outbreak.