Community Foundation Announces 7th Round of COVID Rapid Response Grants

The Outer Banks Community Foundation is now accepting applications from nonprofits for a seventh round of COVID Rapid Response Grants.

To be eligible for a COVID Rapid Response Grant, programs must be urgent in nature and must be related to the Coronavirus crisis, either directly (e.g., programs that assist students with remote learning) or indirectly (e.g., assistance to workers without child care). True to their name, COVID Rapid Response Grants have an expedited application process and a fast-track decision timeframe. COVID-related requests must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 16 via a one- or two-page letter, plus attached budget, with funding decisions made by Thursday, November 19.

“As our COVID numbers rise once again, the Outer Banks continues to face unprecedented challenges through the pandemic,” said Lorelei Costa, the Community Foundation’s executive director. “The Rapid Response Grants are targeted to support nonprofits serving the needs of those individuals and families most impacted by COVID.”

To date, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $250,000 in COVID Rapid Response Grants for a wide range of programs, including nutritional assistance, internet connectivity for at-home students, and financial assistance for families to afford child care.

To apply for a grant, nonprofits should first review the grant guidelines published online at www.obcf.org/grants, and then call the Community Foundation at 252-261-8839 to discuss their project and funding needs.