The past several days have brought about changes to our daily lives that we have not seen for generations. As people all over the world take measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, I would like to take a moment to share some updates on some assistance and prevention measures taking place here at your Community Foundation.
Emergency Assistance Grant Funding: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sanilac County Community Foundation (SCCF) is providing emergency assistance funding to local organizations that are going above and beyond their typical operations to assist the community during this time. These grants can be used for operations costs, which is typically not a qualified grant per SCCF policies. We are also striving to keep this application as succinct as possible, knowing that time is of the essence. You can find the short application on our website. Emergency+Assistance+Grant+Funding+2020+SCCF
Emergency Assistance Fund: For those of you who are looking for a way to support our local non-profits as they provide extra services during this time, the Foundation is providing a centralized place for giving that will guarantee that 100 percent of funds raised will be used locally in response to the coronavirus. This Emergency Assistance Fund will help support the organizations caring for and assisting vulnerable populations throughout Sanilac County as we navigate these unprecedented times. One hundred percent of all funds will be distributed for coronavirus relief with no administrative fees. Funds will be released on a rolling basis throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis. DONATE HERE
Scholarship Applications & Distributions: Scholarship applications and distributions will currently be continued as planned. For the past several years 99% of all scholarships through the Community Foundation and our partners have been available online for both scholarship applicants and reviewers. We plan to continue with our April 1, 2020, due date for scholarship applications but will adjust accordingly as new information and updated graduation timelines are received. Should you as a student or a reviewer not be able to access an online version of our scholarship portal please contact our office and we will do our best to help accommodate your situation.
Spring Grant Round: The Spring 2020 Grant Round will continue as planned with one minor change. We will be canceling the April 1, 2020 grant seminar in compliance with state and federal gathering guidelines. Applications and the information pertaining to our grant application are still available on our website. In the event you have questions concerning a grant application do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance. At this time, applications will still be due no later than Friday, May 1, 2020 by 5:00 p.m. If you are unable to mail, or travel to submit your application, please contact our office and we will give you further instruction for submission.
Office Operations and Protocol: Effective this past Friday, we instructed our team to try to practice social distancing between other employees and individuals entering our front office. We have instructed any employee not feeling well to remain at home. We are also encouraging our community partners to use “contact-free” ways of communicating with us if possible so that we can make sure we can serve you safely and promptly. In addition to hand sanitizer located throughout our building, we have worked to implement the regular application of disinfectants with extra attention paid to high touch areas such as door handles, telephones, and keyboards. Don’t be alarmed or offended if you see our staff wipe the front counter or the door handles before and after your visit. If you see us doing these things, simply be assured to know that we are taking your health and safety, as well as our employees’, seriously.
From an operational continuity point of view, we believe the measures detailed above will serve to keep our team healthy and available to serve our community throughout this crisis and beyond.
Sincerely,
Melissa Anderson
Executive Director
Sanilac County Community Foundation
