In partnership with local donors, Montgomery County officials have awarded $212,000 to local nonprofits through the MontCoPA COVID-19 Response Fund.

The Fund is a community-wide effort to support the immediate needs of residents who are hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

The funds have been distributed to 63 nonprofit organizations serving every area of the county. Food pantries, senior care programs, rent and utility payment programs for low-income residents, and emergency shelters are just some of the many emergency fields covered by the grants.

The MontcoPA COVID-19 Response Fund was formed to provide residents, businesses, and philanthropies with a way to donate money to COVID-19 relief efforts.

It was established on March 26 by six local philanthropies and the County of Montgomery. The Fund is managed by Montgomery County Foundation.

The pooled funding model made it easier for nonprofits to apply for grants as they only had to submit one application instead of applying separately for each program.

The fund has so far managed to raise around $300,000, including nearly $40,000 in donations from private individuals.

However, there is still an immediate need for more contributions. Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.