During this unprecedented and challenging time, we’ve witnessed the strength and resilience of our community as it has come together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. JCF fundholders have always been some of our community’s most generous supporters and they have risen to the occasion by donating both time and financial resources to help those most affected by the crisis. JCF staff has worked closely with Jewish communal agency leadership to help them navigate this challenging time by providing expert guidance on connecting with donors, accessing small business loans and offering stewardship best practices. Though we may be physically isolated, we remain bound together as members of a vibrant and caring community working together to make a positive impact.

While the charitable response to the pandemic is unparalleled in comparison to other disaster giving, it's critical to keep in mind the effect of COVID-19 on nonprofit organizations through which much public assistance is delivered. Leading experts such as the Center of Disaster Philanthropy emphasize the importance of continued funding in times of crisis so agencies can provide consistent service to those most in need.

The Jewish Community Foundation has worked our the Kansas City funder community to identify the following immediate priorities:

- Local food banks and delivery programs such as the JFS Food Pantry, Kosher Meals on Wheels, and Harvesters;

- Emergency financial assistance provided through the Gesher and Chesed Funds managed by Jewish Family Services; and

- Other local and national disaster relief funds such as the Jewish Federation’s Coronovirus Emergency Relief Fund and the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, hosted by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

Donations are accepted through the links above; if you have a JCF Donor Advised Fund, you may log in to DonorCentral to recommend a grant.

For more information on how you can help, please contact Beatrice Fine or visit our Current Community Needs page or list of Volunteer Opportunities.

See our 2020 Impact Report and list of Grantee Organizations