NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Tuesday announced that local community-based organizations can now apply for grant funding to support critical services to Baltimore County residents as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant funds will come from the Baltimore County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, created in March to promote public health and support the County’s efforts to respond to this continuously evolving crisis.

“County government is working around the clock to respond to this crisis and meet the needs of our residents, but we know there’s even more that needs to be done,” Olszewski said. “Baltimore County is home to so many community-based organizations who are critical partners in our efforts, and these grants will help support the invaluable services they are providing to our neighbors during this challenging time.”

Since its establishment on March 31, more than 100 individual donors and larger philanthropies have contributed to the Emergency Response Fund, which is being managed by the Baltimore Community Foundation. Donations continue to be accepted at www.bcf.org/emergencyresponsefund.

Beginning today, Tuesday, May 12, 501c3 organizations in good standing or organizations with a fiscal sponsor can submit online grant applications for up to $15,000 at www.bcf.org/emergencyresponsefund.

Successful applications will be primarily focused on short-to-mid-term needs facing Baltimore County communities, including:

• Access to food and other home essentials (such as toiletries, diapers, cleaning supplies, non-prescription medications)

• Assisting those affected by COVID-19 in areas such as:
  • Addressing the digital divide
  • Providing mental health services and resources
  • Providing food and other essentials (food pantries, student support)
  • Supporting survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking
  • Caring for vulnerable populations including seniors and those with disabilities
  • Providing services to underserved and minority communities and foreign-born individuals and families
  • Developing recreation programming and youth opportunities
  • Providing legal services

• Support for:
  • Public Safety First Responders
  • Health Care Workers
  • “Economic and Community” First Responders (grocery store workers, delivery people, bus drivers)

The deadline for applications will be Tuesday, May 26 at 5 p.m. Awards will be announced in early June for this first round of applications. The number of future grant awards will depend on additional funds raised.