London Community Foundation establishes COVID-19 Response Fund in Partnership with the Lawson Foundation
London Community Foundation establishes COVID-19 Response Fund in Partnership with the Lawson Foundation
London Community Foundation (LCF) in partnership with the Lawson Foundation announced its creation of the LCF COVID-19 Response Fund – a collaborative effort to support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Led by LCF with an initial contribution of $300,000, matched by the Lawson Foundation by way of their Miggsie Fund, through which they have been supporting the London community since 2005, the $600,000 fund will provide a central location for philanthropists, corporations, individuals and families to support immediate needs in our community that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During these trying times it’s more important than ever to support our community,” says LCF President & CEO, Martha Powell. “Our priority is the health and well-being of our citizens. The creation of this fund will ensure our community’s most pressing needs are met, and no one is left behind.”
The recent developments of COVID-19 have impacted us all but have disproportionately left our most vulnerable at risk. Many individuals may be facing the realities of missed pay cheques, inability to pay rent, lack of access to food or other essential services needed to maintain their health and well-being. Consequently, local organizations working on the frontlines have been left with increased demands and a lack of resources.
The fund is intended to aid through the response, recovery and rebuild phases. Also, support provided to the London and Middlesex charitable sector will aim to complement the support provided by government and other funders. An advisory council composed of partner organizations will be struck immediately to determine how to best allocate these funds. Leveraging the group’s expertise and community knowledge, this collaborative effort will help to meet our community’s needs during this difficult time.
“The Lawson Foundation is so pleased to be collaborating with the LCF on this initiative through the Miggsie Fund,” says Barb Lawson-Miller, chair of the Board at the Lawson Foundation. “Miggsie Lawson had such a deep love for the London community and would be so very proud of this collaboration in these very difficult times.”
Recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 will extend well beyond the coming months. The advisory council will continue to monitor our community’s needs as they evolve and provide support as needed.
“It’s often in circumstances like these that we see the best of people,” says Powell. “LCF has already seen donors step forward. The generosity of our community has been truly inspiring.”
If you’d like to make contribution, please fill out the form below.
Please note that LCF’s office is currently closed. Staff are working remotely and can be reached via email.