Emergency Response

During 2021, we continued to provide COVID-19 pandemic relief and awarded more than $2.8 million to 50 nonprofits through our SouthCoast Emergency Response Fund to address vaccine equity and hesitancy, operational needs for arts & culture, economic, and education-focused nonprofits, and basic needs, such as food security, emergency childcare, housing, technology for remote work or school, transportation, and utilities. The awarded funds were made possible, in part, by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

In Fall 2021, the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus toured Attleboro, Fall River, and New Bedford to learn firsthand the issues facing these communities due to the pandemic. The tour, hosted by co-chairs House Representative Tony Cabral and Senator Neal Lesser, brought civic leaders together on September 20th at The Whaling Museum.

Representing the Community Foundation, Director of Engagement, Sarah Rose, shared important lessons learned from our COVID Emergency Response work which swiftly raised and distributed aid to the most vulnerable communities and regional nonprofits experiencing the detrimental impact of the crisis.

PHOTOS: BAMSI VACCINE CLINIC