Since March 2020, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation of Nelsonville (the Foundations) have allocated nearly $5 million for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in central and southeastern Ohio. This support is being made available to currently funded agencies, with priority issue areas including behavioral health and substance use disorders, domestic violence, food access and security, the safe reopening of early childhood centers and pooled, collaborative funds supporting broad community needs.
The initial allocation of nearly $1.9 million was directed to early, crisis response efforts of existing grant partners in central and southeastern Ohio. Recognizing ongoing and evolving needs, in June, the Foundations approved an additional $3 million in funding, to be directed to nonprofit recovery efforts of existing grant partners within the following priority areas:
- Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorders: $1.8 million
- Food Access and Security: $600,000
- Early Childhood Education: $500,000
- Collaborative, Community Funding: $100,000
In direct response to needs expressed by nonprofit partners, funding will be allocated through an invitation process for infrastructure and renovations to support social distancing requirements; supplies, including personal protective equipment and food; technology and equipment; training, including trauma-informed care; staffing and volunteer needs; and resources for clients to better engage in programs and services.
The Foundations are honored to partner with agencies who are continuing to implement vital services in this unprecedented time, and grateful for the innovation and resiliency these organizations have demonstrated under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.