The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation announced Wednesday that it will award $450,000 to 86 Montana safety net programs that provide basic needs support to our communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Different amounts will be distributed to organizations like food banks and pantries, homeless shelters, rescue missions, United Way, and the Salvation Army. The initial grants total $300,000 for emergency response and the Foundation is committing another $150,000 in matching grants. All 86 programs are qualified for a matching grant up to 50% of their initial grant amount.
“Basic needs organizations are critically important to helping Montana’s most vulnerable citizens,” Foundation Executive Director Mike Halligan said. “The Foundation wants to help alleviate the strain placed on these organizations by the COVID-19 crisis by giving them a cash infusion now, while at the same time helping them generate additional resources by leveraging our donation.”
The Foundation strongly encourages those who are able to contribute, to contact an organization in their area about making a matching donation. To view the list of selected organizations click here.