Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1367422
Orange County Community Resilience Fund Evaluation Report 25 It was clear from almost as soon as the pandemic hit that a major response would be needed to mitigate the effects on communities and nonprofits. While the federal, state, and local governments have all responded with critical support such as the Paycheck Protection Program, expanded unemployment benefits and other support for individuals, the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants program, and county supervisory district focused aid, this aid required time and administrative processes before it became available. The philanthropic sector needed to fill the gap quickly, and was instrumental in organizations and individuals weathering the storm in the first few months. Two major Orange County funds were launched in the first month of the shutdown – the Orange County Community Resilience Fund, from St. Joseph Community Partnership Fund, Orange County Community Foundation, and OC Grantmakers, and the Orange County United Way Pandemic Relief Fund. Other funds from foundations such as Tarsadia Foundation, the Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation, the Anaheim Community Foundation, and Laguna Beach Community Foundation 8 followed quickly. Soon, funds were formed around specific purposes, such as the In'Lakesh Relief Fund (immigrants and working families), the Orange County Arts and Culture Fund, and child care. In all, these funds totaled more than 12 million dollars in support, with the bulk coming from the OC Community Resilience Fund ($4.3 million) and the OC United Way ($4.8 million as of July). The philanthropic response buttressed the public response, and the combined assistance proved instrumental to the survival of nonprofits across the County. Many survey respondents pointed to Philanthropic Response 8 This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. While many funders chose to coordinate through the OC Community Resilience Fund, others have also given through their own channels. An exhaustive review of the philanthropic giving is beyond the scope of this report but will be undertaken in the future.