The John M. Belk Endowment announced it is donating $1 million to the COVID-19 Response Fund, a community-wide effort to assist Mecklenburg County residents affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The gift pushed the fund to the $15 million mark.

“Our team is honored to support the community at a time when the need is so vast,” said MC Belk Pilon, president and board chair of the John M. Belk Endowment. “Now more than ever, our community must come together to rise above these trying times.”

Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas launched the effort on March 16 to support a range of nonprofit organizations meeting the basic needs of those affected by the crisis, such as food, shelter, housing and emergency financial assistance. Individuals are urged to donate at HelpCharMeck.org.

The fund recently announced its first round of direct grants: $3 million to 14 nonprofits assisting those affected by the crisis. Local agencies and nonprofits are experiencing increased needs as local unemployment rates increase, school cancellations and stay-at-home orders cause disruptions, the economy tightens and those without health insurance face additional challenges getting the care they need.

“With this commitment to our community, MC Belk Pilon carries forward the John M. Belk Endowment’s critical work to provide opportunities that transform lives,” said Foundation For The Carolinas President and CEO Michael Marsicano. “Thanks to the John M. Belk Endowment and a host of community leaders and organizations, we’ve now raised more than $15 million in just over two weeks. While there’s more to do, I cannot thank enough all who have given so far.”

Donations have ranged from a two-dollar commitment from an anonymous online donor to $1.3 million from Mecklenburg County. Other gifts include $250,000 gifts from the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, the Weisiger Fleming Family Fund and EY; $500,000 each from Ally Financial, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Knight Foundation; and $1 million gifts from LendingTree, the City of Charlotte, the Howard R. Levine Foundation, Truist Financial Corporation, Bank of America, the David A. Tepper Charitable Foundation, Lowe’s, the C.D. Spangler Foundation and Coca-Cola Consolidated.

A competitive grant cycle is now open for future grant awards. Mecklenburg County 501(c)3 nonprofits that meet eligibility requirements may apply. Grants are awarded by an advisory group of community members. Visit uwcentralcarolinas.org/grants/COVID for eligibility requirements and to apply.

“Generous donors like the John M. Belk Endowment ensure we can try to help all those who desperately need help,” said United Way of Central Carolinas President and CEO Laura Yates Clark. “The needs of our community are quickly escalating as our friends and neighbors lose their jobs or are forced to stay at home. Local nonprofits are besieged with requests to help, and it’s up to us to be there for them.”

The fund is administered through a partnership between Foundation For The Carolinas and United Way of Central Carolinas, in close coordination with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

To contribute to the COVID-19 Response Fund, visit HelpCharMeck.org.

UCITY Family Zone, a community organization focused on geography in and around University City, is helping to meet community needs during the coronavirus outbreak. Ignited by Family Zone partners, UCITY Family Zone COVID-19 Response Group was created for residents to mitigate needs in and around zip codes 28262 and 28213. The group has members volunteering in the community and has created a suite of resources for area residents and businesses.

“We appreciate so much the leadership and commitment of our community partners to come together and support our neighbors,” said Mark DeHaven, Distinguished Professor of Community Health, UNC College of Health and Human Services and Founding Director of UCITY Family Zone. “The needs of our community are great – but so are our resources. It is truly inspirational what we can accomplish and how we can lift the entire community when we work together with everyone pulling in one direction.”

UCITY Family Zone COVID-19 Response Group holds three virtual meetings each week to discuss urgent community needs and coordinate action plans. For example, immediately following the initial announcement of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools closings, the response group identified neighborhoods with children in need of access to meals during the day. Heal Charlotte, The Community Hub, Men of Destiny, Stonebridge Community Church and other UCITY Family Zone members worked with area food pantries, restaurants like 5Church and volunteers to deliver meals each weekday to neighborhoods in need. Through collaboration with the Response Group, Faith CME Church, HOPE Street Food Pantry, and other local food pantries that were facing shortages have received donations from University City United Methodist Church and other local partners to supplement the supplies they would normally receive from Loaves and Fishes, which has faced shortages due to high-demand.

In addition to food security, the COVID-19 Response Group is addressing other areas of need for the UCITY Family Zone community. The complete areas of focus include:

• Food security: access to meals and updates on food pantry hours and availability
• Economic stability: sharing resources for utility assistance and discounted or free services
• Education: tutoring, wifi access for tablet and laptop access
• COVID-19 Safety: sharing updated mandates and tips for self-isolation and sheltering in place, hand washing tips and transportation options
• Grants and funding: emergency response funds and newly available grants
• Health: updates from hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and the like
• Housing: where and how to request rental and mortgage assistance, or delays for evictions

UCITY Family Zone is seeking resources and needs on a continuous basis throughout the coronavirus outbreak. Those seeking to support efforts, or report needs should email info@ucityfamilyzone.com.