COVID-19 Response Fund hits $15 million. Belk Endowment provides $1 million donation
The COVID-19 Response Fund reached $15 million in total donations on Friday, April 3, thanks to a $1 million gift from the John M. Belk Endowment, fund officials announced.
Launched by Foundation for the Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas, the fund awards grants to non-profits helping Mecklenburg County residents who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our team is honored to support the community at a time when the need is so vast,” M.C. Belk Pilon, president and board chair of the endowment, said in announcing the donation. “Now more than ever, our community must come together to rise above these trying times.”
Donations have ranged from an anonymous donor’s $2 commitment to $1.3 million from Mecklenburg County, officials said.
Other gifts include:
▪ $250,000 apiece from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, the Weisiger Fleming Family Fund and EY.
▪ $500,000 each from Ally Financial, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Knight Foundation.
▪ And $1 million from LendingTree, the city of Charlotte, the Howard R. Levine Foundation, Truist Financial Corp., Bank of America, the David A. Tepper Charitable Foundation, Lowe’s, the C.D. Spangler Foundation and Coca-Cola Consolidated.
A competitive grant cycle is open for future grant awards. Mecklenburg County 501(c)3 nonprofits that meet eligibility requirements may apply at uwcentralcarolinas.org/grants/COVID.
Grants are awarded by a volunteer advisory group.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 10:35 AM with the headline "COVID-19 Response Fund hits $15 million. Belk Endowment provides $1 million donation."