covid-19

The Delaware Community Foundation (DCF), United Way of Delaware,
Philanthropy Delaware (PD) and the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit
Advancement (DANA) are managing a statewide, four-part strategy called the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund aimed at addressing immediate critical needs while also ensuring the ongoing operational capacity of Delaware’s nonprofit community. UWDE operates the Delaware Does More COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund while DCF manages the Strategic Response Fund. Disbursements from each fund are determined by separate governing committees.

 UWDE is managing the Delaware Does More COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
to raise and distribute funds to community-based organizations for the purpose of addressing a wide range of near-term critical service needs arising from the COVID-19 crisis. These include economic assistance, food insecurity, utilities assistance and more. As part of this, UWDE is also managing the Delaware 2-1-1 Helpline to direct callers to resources statewide, and the UVolunteer website to connect volunteers with COVID-19 volunteer opportunities, including virtual volunteer opportunities.

 The Delaware Community Foundation is managing the fourth leg of the response plan, which is the COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund aimed at addressing both immediate needs during the crisis, and the longer term operational and capacity needs of the nonprofit community. The fund is structured to help Delaware serving 501(c)3 organizations address a broad range of community needs. Target applicants are nonprofit organizations with deep roots in the community and a strong track record of serving people who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from the crisis.

UWDE, DCF, PD and DANA are working collaboratively to promote and coordinate their activities for maximum impact.

DANA, DCF, PD, and UWDE are collaborating to advocate for government
support of the initiative through new policies and funding for relief and support for nonprofit organizations. Visit DANA’s Website to see the current advocacy efforts and the request to the Governor.

100% of all donations to the Rapid Response Fund go directly to recipient
partners. UWDE does not assess any administrative fee. Donors who contribute by credit card are given the choice of increasing their gift by a marginal amount to cover the credit card processing fee

The 211 Helpline is an information and referral service, managed by UWDE
and operating seven days a week, year-round. 211 is always there for
Delawareans in need, but especially so in this crisis situation. In coordination with the state Divisions of Social Service and Public Health, and with UWDE’s partner agencies, 211 is maintaining an up-to-date database of COVID-19 assistance options and is linking callers with these services statewide, in both English and Spanish. 

211 is also partnering with the state Office of Volunteerism, the Delaware
Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and others to coordinate volunteer needs for both organizations and individuals who want to serve.

Top needs associated with people out-of-work and calling for crisis
resources, food, housing and utilities. There are funds available in the community at the moment for utilities assuming callers meet the criteria. Top needs also surfaced regarding concerns around “new” out-of-work individuals and their ability to easily access state resources and other supports. 211 is also referring callers to the full range of available public and private assistance programs. 211 can also connect those that want to volunteer with UWDE’s team leading the UVolunteer efforts. It can also connect organizations with volunteer needs to potential volunteers.