The Community Foundation of South Jersey (CFSJ) announced on Friday the receipt of a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) as part of its $50 million effort to provide humanitarian aid to help some of the families and communities feeling the greatest strain under the COVID-19 health emergency.
The $475,000 grant from RWJF combined with contributions from other South Jersey funders are addressing both short-term and long-term effects of COVID-19 in local towns and counties throughout South Jersey.
“During this pandemic, we are seeing how important it is that everyone has access to high-quality health care. Millions do not. Health is also about making sure people have the ability to feed, house, and take care of themselves and their families,” said RWJF President and CEO Richard Besser.
“While RWJF is providing this immediate aid during this moment of crisis—and encourages others to do the same—its primary focus and strategic work remains unchanged: seeking long-term policy and systemic solutions that address the grave health inequities in America.”
The South Jersey Response Fund was established by a coalition of business and philanthropic partners to rapidly deploy flexible resources to 501(c)3 non-profits in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties. It is a response to anticipated economic insecurity associated with the coronavirus outbreak.
“This investment adds to the growing number of South Jersey-based businesses, philanthropists, and individual donors committed to a coordinated response,” said Andy Fraizer, executive director of SJRF.
“I am grateful for contributions from our founding supporters and leadership gifts such as RWJF. Gifts of any size are valuable as we collaborate to mitigate hardships.”
Donations to the South Jersey COVID-19 Response Fund can be made at: southjerseyresponsefund.org.
“The health and economic hardships created by this pandemic are substantial and not yet fully quantifiable. Needs will change quickly as the pandemic worsens. CFSJ is prepared to respond with our trusted partners and work with other funders to ensure the Fund has maximum reach and effectiveness” said Joe Tredinnick, board president.
For more details on making donations, funding priorities and how to apply, please visit: southjerseyresponsefund.org. Grant submissions should be emailed to CFSJ at: [email protected].
