Our community and nation continue to experience the growing impact and devastation of COVID-19 and racial injustice. In response, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region is launching a second regional activation of its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) in November 2020.

In Kalamazoo, that means coming together in partnership for joint crisis relief grantmaking with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, which has reactivated its Community Urgent Relief Fund. In Battle Creek, we will continue to coordinate with the Battle Creek Funders group, which includes the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Binda Foundation and Miller Foundation.

Phase II DRF funds will be used to assist with critical goods, services and infrastructure (staff, technology, etc.) in support of the following areas:

• Food
• Safe and quality shelter/housing
• Access to Healthcare (eg. prevention (PPE), treatment)

Priority populations include:

• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Undocumented or Underdocumented Individuals
• LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Persons with Disabilities
• Older Adults
• Those living below the ALICE threshold

As in Phase I, KZCF and UW have again developed a shared application process, so that nonprofits in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo can apply for funding through one single application link. Nonprofits and community members interested in learning more about UW’s grantmaking priorities or applying for funds can visit www.changethestory.org/disaster-relief
for more information.

Since March, our community has demonstrated commitment to coming together and supporting each other during times of crisis while ensuring those who are at an economic disadvantage are supported in every way possible. United Way has continued to support relief and recovery efforts, both through the DRF and with dollars raised through our traditional annual campaign. You can support the 2020 United Way Campaign, or contribute additionally to the relief fund at www.changethestory.org/#donate.