As residents in Athens, Northeast Georgia and elsewhere are adjusting to the new normal of social distancing, business closings, and unfortunately, employee layoffs. The Athens Area Community Foundation has launched a Community Response Fund. Sarah McKinney is President and CEO of the organization. She says they are partnering with the United Way of Northeast Georgia.
“And there’s two main reasons for that” according to McKinney. “One, to expand our reach and our capacity and two, to be sure that we are looking at our neighbors to assure that we are providing response and potential grants for nonprofits that are not just serving the Athens area but our 12-county region as well.”
She explains how the Athens Area Community Foundation operates.
“When we do a great job, we are a public grant-making foundation. We work with philanthropists all over the region to connect and convene their assets to do the greatest good.”
United Way of Northeast Georgia President and CEO Kay Keller says the partnership will be a lifeline for nonprofits on the frontline helping others.
“It’s an honor to be able to partner with them, share our knowledge and share our data for the greatest needs in the Northeast Georgia region that we serve of 12 counties; and be able to meet those needs as those needs change and move.”
To donate to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund visit athensareacf.org. or www.unitedwaynega.org.