#DutchessResponds
Dutchess Responds Fund Awards $32,400 in Grants to
Organizations Supporting Those in Need During Pandemic
Poughkeepsie, NY… Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Interim President and CEO Nevill Smythe today announced $32,400 in grants have been awarded from the Dutchess Responds Fund to aid County residents in need of critical support as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds have been awarded to community organizations that support to two priorities: Front Line and Service-Challenged needs.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Since the COVID-19 pandemic first touched Dutchess County more than a month ago, residents have shown the altruism and sense of community for which our county is renowned, and this new round of Dutchess Responds grants is the latest example of that generosity. Distributed to organizations that will benefit residents in every corner of Dutchess County, these funds represent neighbors helping neighbors, and they will greatly impact many in our community in need of assistance during these difficult times.”
Front Line grants fund community-based nonprofits that have increased demand for services due to COVID-19. These nonprofits have deep roots in the community and a strong track-record serving residents who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis, such as community-based health clinics; food pantries; meal delivery programs; homelessness services; and prevention programs.
Service-Challenged grants fund nonprofits that have modified in-person service delivery rapidly due to COVID-19 and need assistance upgrading technology or sanitation protocols; or obtaining cleaning supplies or service personnel, such as youth or recreation centers; child or adult daycares; senior services; or community-based education programs.
The following local organizations will receive Dutchess Responds funds during this round of grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000:
- Animal Farm Foundation
- Ascienzo Family Foundation/Red Hook Responds
- Community Voices Heard
- Dutchess Outreach
- Meals on Wheels of Greater Poughkeepsie
- Pawling Resource Center
- RDC Loaves and Fishes, Inc.
- Red Hook UMC Food Pantry
- Willow Roots, Inc.
- Worker Justice Center of New York
Mr. Smythe said, “We are proud to partner with Dutchess County Government and play a vital role in administering the Dutchess Responds Fund. Together with the County and the Dyson Foundation, we are evaluating grant requests and distributing funds to organizations who will provide assistance to residents in need. Whether providing food, upgrading technology to better serve clients, or safeguarding the health and welfare of pets during this pandemic, this round of grant recipients continue to respond to the changing needs of our community. Thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses donating to the fund, we look forward to announcing future rounds of grant awards as Dutchess Responds continue to address the needs of those touched by this evolving pandemic.”
Established in March, Dutchess County Government’s Dutchess Responds relief effort is a multi-pronged initiative to assist residents greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including an online portal with information for residents who want to offer assistance through volunteering, monetary donations or other efforts to help. The site provides a one-stop connection for those residents who need assistance with food delivery and household essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Dutchess Responds Fund, hosted by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, enables local non-profit agencies to provide needed resources to residents experiencing hardships or quarantine restrictions as a result of the evolving health emergency.
This second round of Dutchess Responds Fund grants follows the initial round of grants, announced earlier this month, which awarded more than $50,000 in funds to shore up the feeding programs throughout Dutchess County, with a special emphasis on fresh produce and distribution.
Earlier this month, Dutchess County Government and the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced that grant applications will be accepted from non-profit organizations on a rolling basis and are available online through the Community Foundations’ website. More information can be obtained by contacting Community Foundations at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.
