MINNEAPOLIS, May 4, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Minneapolis Jewish Federation has awarded more than $800,000 to assist organizations and individuals in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
"We have an obligation to do our best to make sure the community can continue to be a strong, vibrant, safe home when the crisis is over," says James A. Cohen, Minneapolis Jewish Federation CEO. "We are committed to making sure that happens."
MJF began distributing funding on March 19, when it opened a fund for individuals in economic distress at Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis. Shortly thereafter, MJF awarded "morale grants" of $50,360 to 40 schools, organizations, and synagogues in the Twin Cities area.
The MJF board quickly set aside $2 million in unrestricted assets to make immediate grants to help local agencies with urgent needs (tech needs, staffing support) and later, longer term needs like loss of income. Since that board vote on March 21, MJF has distributed funds to seven local schools, synagogues, and organizations, as well as its two overseas partners.
Funds have been used by schools to start distance learning programs from scratch and connect students without internet access, by the local Jewish senior living center to purchase personal protective equipment, and have provided emergency cash to organizations whose galas, fee-for-service activities, and other normal business operations are at a halt.
"It is not only our privilege to provide this resource in a time of need—we see it as our responsibility," says Todd Leonard, Board President. "And right now is a time of need."
Learn more about Minneapolis Jewish Federation's response in the community.
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About Minneapolis Jewish Federation: For 90 years, Minneapolis Jewish Federation has been building and sustaining Jewish community here in Minneapolis and around the globe. Through empowering, engaging, and inspiring the community, MJF promotes a culture of Jewish philanthropy, leverages resources to meet Jewish needs, and facilitates community planning to ensure a thriving and secure future. Learn more at jewishminneapolis.org.
SOURCE Minneapolis Jewish Federation
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