Chicago’s big donors raise millions for fund to help with impact of coronavirus pandemic

The Chicago Community Trust and the United Way of Metro Chicago are coordinating an effort to disperse cash quickly.

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Eduardo Villobos (left) and Bill Rangal prepare breakfast for customers at Don’s Grill in Pilsen on Monday, before the restaurant had to go to carryouts only on order of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The closure to combat the coronavirus is hurting the livelihoods of restaurant workers.

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Chicago’s leading donors and fundraisers said Tuesday they are joining forces to raise money for nonprofit groups that will help residents whose health and livelihoods have been imperiled by the coronavirus.

Key details are still being developed, such as how nonprofits will apply for money. The Chicago Community Trust, which is directing the effort with the United Way of Metro Chicago, said more than $8 million has been raised thus far.

The emphasis of the campaign, called the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, is to put money to work quickly, organizers said. They have established a website, chicagocovid19response.fund.org, where donations are being solicited and potential grant recipients can provide information.

“While the full health, social and economic impact of COVID-19 is not yet known, we can be certain the effects will be far-reaching particularly for the most vulnerable in our region,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of the community trust. She is an expert in disease control and emergency response.

The organizers said the fund is designed to be flexible and can change its priorities as the health and financial crisis stemming from the pandemic changes. Already, mandated shutdown of bars and dine-in restaurants have affected low-wage workers, and layoffs are expected to mount at hotels, airlines and other businesses connected to travel and tourism.

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The logo of the COVID-19 fund.

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The fund can help organizations address immediate needs such as emergency food and basic supplies, rent and mortgage assistance and utility payments, Gayle said.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot provided a statement of support, saying the campaign is “a much-needed platform to quickly deploy assistance, funded by the generosity of residents, and get it to many front-line organizations that are doing critical work to complement existing city resources.” 

“This is an unprecedented time,” said Sean Garrett, CEO and president of United Way of Metro Chicago. “We have to double down on our commitment to organizations, agencies and institutions in our neighborhoods that provide essential resources to the community.”

Grants to launch the fund have come from many wealthy families and organizations, including the foundation of Gov. J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M.K. The MacArthur and Joyce foundations are directing their own money and that of major donors to the fund. Other donations have come from the Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies and other individuals and corporations.

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