As Larimer County continues to navigate the unexpected and far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 global pandemic, your local United Way remains a driving force of support for our community. We are grateful for the privilege to serve alongside the many volunteers, donors, businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, and government entities who are working tirelessly to mitigate the health and financial impacts facing our community today.

It is hard to believe it was just over a month ago when businesses began shutting down and financial stability came to a screeching halt for many in Larimer County. Within a week, United Way established the Northern Colorado COVID-19 Response Fund in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado to support local nonprofits who were stepping up to address sudden, unprecedented need.

In late March, we distributed the first round of grants to fifteen organizations working across Larimer County.

This initial round focused on immediate and basic needs, including food and stable housing for local families and support to nonprofits to transition to virtual/remote services and deploy additional volunteers to deliver meals and check-in on senior citizens.

The second round of grants went out the week of April 27th and will provide over $300,000 in grant funding to 22 additional organizations. This brings our total to more than $500,000 in aid distributed within a month’s time! I am proud of this rapid response and so appreciate the individuals and the businesses, including FNBO, Intel, and Blue Federal Credit Union, who are making this funding possible.

In addition to nonprofit grants, United Way has also stepped in to serve as the hub for human services resources and information in Larimer County during the crisis and has developed a collection and distribution site for critical supplies for local nonprofits and childcare providers, thanks to the support of OtterCares.

Our staff and volunteers accept donations from community members each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the Community Impact Center (525 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins). You can also have items delivered directly to our office by purchasing via our AmazonSmile Charity List. Individuals who are struggling and need assistance are encouraged to contact 211 or visit our website to connect with vital resources.

United Way is also hosting monthly blood drives at the Community Impact Center in partnership with UCHealth’s Garth Englund Blood Center in order to address potential shortages in our community’s blood supply. The first blood drive was held on March 31^st when 13 United Way staff members and community supporters provided donations to assist patients in need. Please stay tuned to make an appointment for our next drive on June 8th to donate if you are able, healthy, and searching for a way to give back during this difficult time. We are grateful to have the May 11th blood drive already fully booked in advance.

Looking forward, we know there is still so much to do.

We invite you to sign up to volunteer on our new volunteer site – www.nocovolunteers.org. You can also support our efforts by attending our Invisible Superhero Social on June 18^th at 5:30 p.m., a virtual fundraising “event” to celebrate area superheroes working on the front lines and behind the scenes to confront the challenges of the pandemic. This unique, online experience will feature passionate speakers and talented local musicians. We hope, if social distancing policies allow, it might provide an opportunity for you to gather with a small group of friends or colleagues to celebrate our community’s progress toward recovery and learn more about United Way’s continued response efforts through our Community Emergency & Response Fund.

Despite the devastating impact of the pandemic, I am inspired daily by the generosity and kindness demonstrated by so many people who have jumped into action to support one another through this difficult time.

In many ways, both large and small, these individuals have revealed the philanthropic, fighting spirit of Larimer County, and it is an honor to witness the countless examples of selflessness and compassion. At United Way, we are proud and grateful to stand united with you as our neighbors and friends, as we continue to strengthen our community through this crisis and beyond. Thank you for your support.