AUSTIN, TX – All Together ATX, a joint effort from Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin, today announced $2.2 million in grant funding will be disbursed to 70 nonprofits working to support communities experiencing economic and health-related hardships caused by COVID-19 in Central Texas. The nonprofits receiving grants are working to address domestic violence and child abuse, digital equity, mental health, aging populations and utility assistance. View the full list of grant recipients and project descriptions here.
Data from public health authorities consistently shows that Hispanic and Black residents in Central Texas are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. To ensure the communities most impacted by COVID-19 are supported and funded, equity was a guiding principle in the All Together ATX grantmaking process. The scoring committee was comprised of more than 80 community members representing different races, backgrounds and lived experiences in Central Texas, and 76% of the committee identified as people of color.
The intent of this round of funding was to enhance and increase existing services to individuals of historically under-resourced communities in the five-county Central Texas region (Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson). The grants range in size from $70,000 to $5,000. Grants will be distributed electronically by August 11.
“Health and economic inequities have long been a contributor to the widening opportunity gap in Central Texas and COVID-19 has only exacerbated these issues. This is why our organizations —Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin—are committed to prioritizing funds for nonprofits representing and serving those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” Mike Nellis, CEO of Austin Community Foundation, said.
“Through our longstanding and trusting relationship with our local nonprofit community, Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin are able to know and address the emerging and growing needs for thousands of our friends and neighbors most affected by COVID-19. We are committed to this community, and are grateful for the generosity of so many who make this relief possible, David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Austin, said.
Austin Community Foundation and United Way have raised more $6 million for All Together ATX from corporate and individual donors since March 27, 2020. To date, approximately $4 million in funding has been awarded to local nonprofits. The remaining funds will be disbursed by the end of 2020. Applications for the third and final round of funding will open Sept. 28, 2020.
People can learn more and donate at AllTogetherATX.com.