Collage of COVID Week 22 grantees - a firefighter, people handing out food, and someone preparing food

Week 22: COVID-19 Response Grants

In partnership with our generous donors and supporters, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is pleased to announce that an additional $40,300 was granted to four organizations in Week 22 of our COVID-19 Community Response Grants.

These grants will provide continued support to people with disabilities, mental health services for first responders, emergency assistance for low-income community members, and groceries for a community food pantry.

COVID-19 Community Support Fund Grant Recipients:

Direct Advocacy & Research Center is operated by and for people with disabilities. They advocate for disability rights and justice and empower individuals to achieve their independent living goals. Funds from this grant will be used to help Direct Advocacy & Research Center increase services to vulnerable community members who otherwise do not have access to the essential services they need.

Hailey Thoman, Associate Director of Direct Advocacy & Research Center, shared, “Direct Advocacy & Resource Center is grateful to receive a second grant from the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and for their partnership in helping individuals with disabilities remain safe in their own homes.”

The Greater Tucson Fire Foundation (GTFF) provides health and safety services to firefighters not being provided by fire departments. These services include mental health counseling, cardiac ultrasounds, and cancer screenings.

Mike McKendrick, Chair of GTFF, shared, “The final collective impact of COVID on our community will not be known for years. We do know that the impact on our first responders is multiplied due to increased stresses at home as well as on the job. Mental health counseling co-pays are up nearly 30%. The Community Foundation’s generosity will go a long way to helping the Fire Foundation continue to meet the health and wellness needs of our firefighters. Thank you.”

Additional grantees in Week 22 include St. Vincent de Paul of Our Lady of Fatima, who offers the community essential services to meet the basic needs of low-income individuals and families, and Bright Star Community Development Coordination, who provides food and resources to those in need.

To view a complete list of COVID-19 Grantees, please click here.  To support our efforts to provide Southern Arizona nonprofits with critical operating support, please click here.