Wichita Community Foundation donates $100,000 to help those affected by COVID-19

The Wichita Community Foundation has committed $100,000 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization announced Friday.

The money activates two funds: the WCF Emergency Fund, for nonprofits affected by the new coronavirus; and the newly-created Stand with Wichita Fund, which is aimed at individuals. The Foundation is also taking contributions toward the funds.

“We have the systems in place to help Sedgwick County citizens and hope others will feel inclined to do the same,” Foundation president and CEO Shelly Prichard said in a news release. “This is a chance to leverage our resources to help more people in the community during such an unprecedented time.”

Applicants for the WCF Emergency Fund can go to bit.ly/wcfemergency. Guadalupe Clinic is the first grantee from the fund and will receive funds to purchase protective gear for staff, the news release said.

The fund for individuals is in collaboration with The Salvation Army and will provide utility assistance to anyone whose employment status has been affected by the new coronavirus. The Salvation Army will screen applicants and payments will be made directly to the utilities.

“The Salvation Army is honored to partner with WCF to stand together to provide utility assistance to families in need in Sedgwick County,” Salvation Army Maj. Jim Curl said in the release.

Community contributions to the funds can be made at wichitacf.org or via mail to the Foundation at 301 N. Main suite 100.