Austin, TX – All Together ATX, a joint effort from Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin, today announced $1.8 million in grant funding will be disbursed to 97 nonprofits working to support communities experiencing economic and health-related hardships caused by COVID-19 in Central Texas.
See how each of the 97 nonprofits will be investing their funds back into the community here.
This first round of rapid response funding will go towards projects addressing critical services, including food insecurity, basic needs, medical needs, employment and child care. The grants range in size from $50,000 to $3,000. The application review process was led by a committee of 70 community volunteers, managed by staff at United Way and Austin Community Foundation. Grants will be distributed electronically by May 1.
“In this time of uncertainty, it’s incredible to witness our community come together and rise to the challenge of supporting our nonprofit sector and the individuals they serve,” Mike Nellis, CEO of Austin Community Foundation, said. “Thanks to this generosity, we are able to quickly deploy substantial funding to organizations helping those struggling to make rent, put food on the table or get proper medical care. However, these initial grants only scratch the surface of the level of support our community will need to fully recover from this pandemic, which is why we will continue to fundraise and distribute additional funding.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted life for all of us, but no one has been more affected than our friends and neighbors who were already struggling. From school closures to layoffs, now more than ever people are in need of our support. All of us at United Way are proud to partner with Austin Community Foundation to quickly get this first phase of funding into the hands of local nonprofits on the front lines, David C. Smith, CEO of United Way for Greater Austin, said. “Every meal served, every hour of child care funded, every rent covered, and every support given to someone out of a job will make a world of difference. Let’s keep it going. We’re grateful to Central Texans for giving so generously, and we’re just getting started.”
The All Together ATX fund was announced March 27 and has already raised nearly $5 million. In the days following the announcement, National Instruments contributed $1 million in matching funds and Applied Materials donated $300,000. Other major funders include AMD, Dell Technologies, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Moody Foundation, Powell Foundation, St. David’s Foundation and Silicon Labs. More than $543,700 has been raised through online donations from generous individuals across Central Texas and beyond.
“Silicon Labs is proud to support All Together ATX as part of our global COVID-19 response. Giving back to our communities has been a cornerstone of our company since we were founded in Austin 24 years ago, and it is now more important than ever. Our partnership with Austin Community Foundation and United Way for Greater Austin enables us to address immediate needs and build a foundation for a long-term recovery in Central Texas,” Tyson Tuttle, CEO of Silicon Labs, said.
Austin Community Foundation and United Way plan to disburse all funds raised for All Together ATX by the end of 2020. Applications for round 2 of funding will open this summer, with proposals due in late July.
The fundraising has just begun and the need continues to rise as stories accumulate from across the Central Texas community. People can learn more and donate at AllTogetherATX.com.