CMS Foundation creates COVID-19 relief fund to help students, families during closure
The CMS Foundation, a non-profit that supports Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, will begin fundraising to meet the needs of district students and families affected by the closure of schools because of the novel coronavirus.
The foundation announced the start of the COVID-19 Relief Fund in a press release Monday. The money will be used to support the critical needs of families and students, as well as to extend academic instruction during the closure.
“Charlotteans are extremely generous and I am sure that they will rally to support CMS’ efforts to continue educating our community’s children during this unprecedented time,” CMS Foundation executive director Sonja Gantt said.
Under an executive order from Gov. Roy Cooper, CMS and all K-12 schools in the state will be closed through at least March 30 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.
The closure, a sudden change from CMS’s earlier plan to start spring break early with three days of classes this week, could have widespread impacts on families in the district.
Roughly 40% of CMS’s 150,000 students are eligible for free or subsidized meals, and food security remains a major concern during the closure.
Additional resources
The CMS Foundation raises money to support the district’s strategic priorities and to increase opportunities for students and staff.
“We want to ensure our students can continue learning and have access to as many additional supports as possible during this time,” Superintendent Earnest Winston said in a press release. “We know that additional resources will make a major difference for our students. Our partnership with the CMS Foundation will help us address those critical needs as they arise.”
Donations to the fund can be made online at cms-foundation.org/donate with “Relief” in the notes section of the donation page. They can also be sent by mail to the CMS Foundation at 4421 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28217.
For more information, donors can contact the foundation at at 980-343-0399 or email info@cms-foundation.org.