Unemployment claims are up sharply as the state works to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Now, with business closures affecting thousands of people across Ohio, philanthropy groups are gathering funds to expand relief efforts.
The new COVID-19 Response Fund is run by the Greater Dayton United Way and The Dayton Foundation. So far, donations total more than $550,000.
Dayton Foundation president Mike Parks says all money raised will go to nonprofits focusing on basic human needs and critical emergency services.
“Organizations that are on the front lines of serving those that have been impacted economically with food, shelter, housing, mental health," he says, "those that are on the frontlines to help those that are hurting.”
Individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations may make charitable contributions to the fund. The Dayton Foundation is waiving all administrative fees and is paying all credit card processing fees to maximize contributions.
“We are urgently aware of the difficulties individuals and families are facing as employers, organizations and our community do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the risk to our more vulnerable populations. As this public health emergency continues to unfold, the coalition will do its part to help provide assistance in meeting urgent basic needs,” J. Thomas Maultsby, president and CEO of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, said in a statement.
Other partners in the fund include the City of Dayton, Mathile Family Foundation, Montgomery County, The Physicians’ Charitable Foundation of the Miami Valley and Sinclair Community College.

Other Miami Valley groups are also separately raising money and mobilizing volunteers.
In Greene County, The Yellow Springs Community Foundation has also established a special fund to help mitigate the community impacts of the Coronavirus.