Our COVID-19 Response
Together, we helped ease the burden caused by this crisis and provided much-needed support for our most vulnerable neighbors.
what we were up against
The economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis were immense, particularly for those living paycheck to paycheck. Many families still struggling to recover from flooding and tornadoes were finding their path to stable housing and financial stability even more challenging. Senior citizens and historically underserved and minority communities were particularly vulnerable.
How we made it better
To meet the needs of our community during this unprecedented crisis, United Way relied on its strong public-private partnerships to raise and distribute essential funds to help those most affected by the pandemic. In partnership with state and local governments, we were able to quickly and efficiently put funds back into the community to help our neighbors stay in their homes, meet their basic needs and receive quality healthcare and wellness support.
Nashville’s COVID-19 Response Fund
To proactively address the health and economic impact on our neighbors, Mayor John Cooper formed the COVID-19 Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to help our neighbors in need. United Way and the Response Committee, chaired by former Senator Dr. Bill Frist, raised more than $5 million dollars which went to nonprofit partners and service providers working directly with those disproportionately impacted by the virus.
Metro Nashville CARES Funding
United Way of Greater Nashville was chosen by the Mayor’s Office to act as the administrator for $10 million in Metro Nashville CARES Act funding to strategically invest in organizations that currently provide rent, mortgage and utility assistance to families in Davidson County. Metro Nashville later provided an additional $3.8 million in assistance.
Tennessee Community CARES Program
United Way of Greater Nashville was chosen by the State of Tennessee to act as a grant administrator for the Community CARES Program’s COVID-19 Relief for Nonprofits. United Way worked with the TN Department of Human Services to administer more than $43 million in grants for nonprofits providing COVID-19 assistance across Middle Tennessee.