The Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation created the Rapid Response and Recovery Fund to quickly respond to the urgent needs of disadvantaged communities that bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects. In partnership with donors, nonprofits, local businesses, institutions and community leaders, the Foundation was uniquely positioned to mobilize and direct significant resources to address the critical needs of the community.
From the outset of the pandemic, Foundation staff worked in collaboration with local agency leaders to understand the virus’ impact and our community’s ever-changing and greatest needs. We prioritized several focus areas:
- Food and Shelter
- Mental and Physical Health
- Care for our Children
- Financial Stability
The Foundation prioritized our most vulnerable populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and undocumented workers. In addition, our team focused on combating the racial and socioeconomic inequities exacerbated by COVID-19.
The Foundation’s leadership and tireless advocacy for our community led to a grant from the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, a statewide fund set up by The United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, in collaboration with the Office of Governor JB Pritzker. Together with an overwhelming outpouring of community generosity, over $1.2 million was raised. The Foundation awarded grants to 62 nonprofits serving the western Cook County area.
