The Cape Cod Foundation has raised an additional $750,000 for its Strategic Emergency Response Fund and has just issued a matching challenge to the community. If successful, the new “Respond, Rebuild & Reimagine” community challenge will generate an additional $1.5 million for immediate and ongoing pandemic relief on Cape Cod.
The challenge took shape recently when the foundation received a generous gift from The Gitlin Family and support from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to continue to strategically deploy resources through its Strategic Emergency Response Fund.
“Our goals for this challenge are to increase immediate financial support to Cape Cod residents impacted by the pandemic and to strengthen key nonprofit organizations for long-term stability and lasting change,” said Kristin O’Malley, president and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation.
Since the onset of the pandemic in March, The foundation has raised more than $1.5 million and distributed more than $1.18 million to nonprofit organizations serving residents in need.
“We have been able to do this through the generosity of individuals like the Gitlin Family, partnering organizations, and foundations” she said. “However, the need is still great. Recovery will take time. Through ongoing collective giving, we can increase community impact—now and in the months to come.”
The Gitlin Family shared their inspiration for their gift. “Cape Cod has been a special place for our family for over 20 years. We believe that part-time residents who enjoy everything the Cape has to offer during the summer months can and should support their neighbors 365 days per year. We are proud to support The Cape Cod Foundation and all residents in need.”
O’Malley said funds raised will be deployed back into the community to support nonprofit organizations helping residents with basic human needs, such as food, rental & mortgage payments, utility bills, transportation costs, medicine, childcare and other critical needs. In addition, funding will support organizations helping the most vulnerable populations: the elderly, people with disabilities or mental/behavioral health challenges, families, victims of domestic violence, immigrants, and those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
O’Malley said, at the same time, the Foundation will continue to partner closely with key nonprofit organizations and fund capacity-building initiatives that help them reach the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity.
The Foundation launched the challenge Dec. 1 and will continue to actively fundraise for the campaign through May 31, 2021. To donate to the Strategic Emergency Response Fund, visit capecodfoundation.org. The Foundation will also post fundraising progress, grant recipients, and other related initiatives on its website.
