Nicholas Bucci, an Investment Adviser Representative at BLB & B Advisors, LLC, knows how important it is to donate to local efforts to support their response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

According to Bucci, watching the coronavirus transform from a story on the news in a foreign country to a global pandemic shutting down the world has been scary for him. ” These are anxious times, especially as Montgomery County has become one of the hardest hit counties in Pennsylvania. Fellow community members and organizations need our help now as we look forward for what the new normal will be,” he says.

In response to growing demand for safety net services, local donors including BLBB Charitable (the charitable arm of BLB&B Advisors, LLC) established a local COVID-19 response fund.

As of this week, $212,000 in grant funds has been awarded to 63 nonprofit organizations serving Montgomery County residents impacted by the pandemic.

“It is a privilege to serve on the Board of Trustees of the HealthSpark Foundation and as a Financial Advisor with BLB&B Advisors, LLC.  BLBB Charitable, a private foundation and the giving arm of BLB&B Advisors, is proud to be one of the founding partners of the MontCO COVID-19 Response Fund along with the HeathSpark Foundation.

“It is important for me personally to give back to the community where I grew up and am growing my professional career. I am proud to be part of two organizations that have stepped up to help provide this much needed aid,” Mr. Bucci continued.

Grant funds were distributed to a variety of nonprofit organizations serving every area of the county. The grant awards will go to support food pantries, senior care programs, behavioral healthcare and telehealth services, ambulance services, childcare for healthcare workers, domestic violence services, and to purchase protective personal equipment for nonprofits continuing essential in-person services, among other uses.

The MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund allows residents, businesses, and philanthropies to donate money towards COVID-19 relief efforts. As of April 14, close to $300,000 has been raised for the Fund, including almost $40,000 in donations from private individuals. Still, more funds are urgently needed to support the efforts of first responders and social safety net providers. To donate, individuals and businesses should visit www.mcfoundationinc.org.

The Founding Partners of the MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund also include VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn; AmerisourceBergen Foundation; Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation; Genuardi Family Foundation; Montgomery County Foundation, Inc.; the County of Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia; Tri-County Community Network; Bucks-Mont Collaborative; and Interagency Council of Norristown.