North State “critical response” donor fund awards first round of grants
The fund was created by the Community Foundation of the North State to support nonprofits providing essential services during the recent federal shutdown.
The donor fund that was launched to support Shasta residents during the federal government shutdown has awarded a first round of grants.
The Community Foundation of the North State established the Critical Response Fund to serve Shasta, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties by supporting “nonprofits providing urgent, on-the-ground assistance to residents facing immediate needs” during the shutdown.
A press release from the Community Foundation today explains that the funds were launched earlier this month after local organizations reported an increased demand for essential services, including food, housing support, utility stability and more.
According to today’s press release, $10,000 has been awarded to Mercy Foundation North for Dignity Health Connected Living to facilitate food distribution throughout Shasta, while about $27,000 was awarded to various organizations in Siskiyou County, including Great Northern, Siskiyou Food Assistance, Shasta Indian Nation, Karuk Tribe, Happy Camp Community Action Agency and Siskiyou Community Resource Center.
“Our nonprofit partners are doing extraordinary work to keep families stable during this challenging time,” said Community Foundation CEO Kerry Caranci in the press release. “These funds have allowed us to act swiftly and responsibly, ensuring that more of our community’s generosity reaches the organizations meeting urgent needs on the front lines.”
Caranci told Shasta Scout that more than $13,000 has been raised for Shasta County so far, and over $33,000 for Siskiyou. She said the balance of funds still in the accounts will be awarded to community organizations in December.
Caranci added that even though the shutdown is over, there’s always a need for food and other essentials this time of year, and donations are still being accepted.
“We know that there could be some lasting effects [of the shutdown] as we wade deeper into the winter months,” she said.
Do you have information or a correction to share? Email us: editor@shastascout.org.
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