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United Way of Southwest Minnesota established a COVID-19 Response Fund in April to provide immediate funding for local nonprofit organizations that have experienced increased demand for services, operational distress, and/or increased costs to continue current services as a result of COVID-19. The UWSWMN COVID-19 Response Fund provides flexible resources to health and human service programs across the UWSWMN service area. This round of funding also included the opportunity for schools to apply for needed supplies/upgrades to create a safer environment for students/teachers.
After full review by a panel of community volunteers, the following programs were awarded grant funding to be used for the specified purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Greater Minnesota Family Services $1,500 to purchase ongoing supplies for sanitization, cleaning and air purification needs for Marshall SEED program.
Lakeview Public Schools $1,800 to purchase protective Plexiglas for various vital offices throughout the district.
Lincoln Elementary $2,000 for COVID related needs, including purchasing an additional lunch table for their preschool students to maintain social distancing guidelines.
Marshall Public Schools $1,800 to purchase disposable face masks for students that forget their mask and are required to wear one to board a school bus.
Minneota Public Schools $1,800 to purchase Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer and lanyards for student masks.
Murray County Central Schools $1,800 to purchase disposable masks and/or cloth face coverings, floor markings, sneeze guards and mask lanyards.
Russell Tyler Ruthton Public Schools $1,800 to purchase cleaning supplies specifically designed to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Samuel Lutheran School $1,250 to purchase a specific cleaner by Stir Technologies along with spray bottles, containers to mix the solution and paper towels.
St. Peter’s School $2,000 to purchase nine chrome books to eliminate student sharing of materials.
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Preschool $700 to purchase PPE & equipment (thermometer, alcohol wipes) for children and staff.
True Light Christian School $1,250 to assist with cleaning fees, increased phone and internet access fees and desk shields.
Westbrook-Walnut Grove Elementary School $1,800 to purchase additional nurse time (currently one morning a week).
WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Program $1,000 to be used towards rent/utility assistance and food/cleaning supplies.
To learn more about our COVID-19 fund and/or to donate, visit our COVID-19 tab at UnitedWaySWMN.org. United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. In southwest Minnesota, we focus on health, education, financial stability, hunger and safety & well-being.