By Richard Besser, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, April 7,2020
The world is in the midst of responding to one of the greatest threats in our lifetime. We recognize that this crisis affects each of us differently and for many in America, who even in good times are challenged due in large part to inequities that have created barriers to health and well-being, the needs are truly profound. For some social distancing is an inconvenience, for others it is a life or death struggle.
While the strategic work of RWJF is focused on long-term changes that will provide everyone with a fair and just opportunity for health, we recognize that right now we are in a time of great need. Therefore today we announced that we are providing $50 million in immediate short-term relief to several national and community organizations to help some of the families and communities feeling the greatest strain under the COVID-19 health emergency. This includes $5 million for relief efforts in RWJF's home state of New Jersey, currently being hit particularly hard by the virus.
This funding is aimed at helping communities that already face daunting health challenges navigate the additional burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is meant to help address immediate needs such as food, housing, and income assistance for some of the nation's most stressed communities, including lower-income workers, communities of color, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities.
We recognize that this contribution will not go far in addressing these ongoing needs, and believe that more governmental support is required now and moving forward. However, we hope that our contribution will encourage other institutions to help meet their community needs. We also hope that as we rebuild, our elected leaders will work to address the policy changes that are necessary to remove the barriers that prevent so many from achieving health and well-being.
We know that this crisis is hard for all of us. We also know that it is having a catastrophic impact on these organizations, and forcing the people they serve to make impossible choices. We are proud to be able to help.
In addition to this announcement, we want to be sure that you are aware of the provisions in the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Congress passed last week that could help some nonprofits deal with the current financial headwinds. These include emergency small business loans for eligible nonprofits that, if used to support payroll in the near-term, could be forgiven by the federal government. There are numerous resources to help nonprofits navigate the CARES Act, including the following:
- The Philanthropy Roundtable is hosting a webinar at 3:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 8 on COVID Legislation and Relief Options for Grantees.
- Kresge is offering a Nonprofit Guide to Accessing Capital Through the 2020 CARES Act.
- Independent Sector is offering a navigator to help nonprofits applying for CARES Act relief funds.
- The National Council of Nonprofits is offering guides to navigating the CARES Act.
- FMA has gathered its latest thinking and tools to support you in managing your nonprofit's finances.
- America's SBDC (Small Business Development Center) is providing technical assistance support for small businesses.
Finally, we want to remind you that we have additional resources available to you on our website, including Frequently Asked Questions that are updated regularly. If you have a question, please check there first, then reach out to your Foundation contact if you need additional information. We also offer this additional contact information:
- If you are unable to reach your Foundation contact, send your questions to COVID-19questions@rwjf.org.
- For grant term extensions, contact GrantReports@rwjf.org.
- To sign up for electronic payments, email comminvoices@rwjf.org.
We have a vision of a Culture of Health in America built on equity in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy and to thrive. We are proud to work alongside you to help make this vision a reality.
Wishing you peace and health,
Richard Besser, MD
President & CEO
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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