OLEAN, N.Y. — With the support of nonprofit leaders in Cattaraugus County, the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund recently awarded a second round of microgrants totaling $9,000 to 11 organizations in Cattaraugus County that are providing services to Cattaraugus County residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Western New York COVID-19 Community Response Fund was created by the philanthropic community to support nonprofits addressing immediate needs in response to the COVID-19 crisis in the eight counties of Western New York.

The WNY Fund’s microgrant program first issued $25,000 in funds to the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation so that the Foundation could act as the fiscal agent to make microgrants in support of a philanthropic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with other community agencies working closely with vulnerable, impacted populations.

Representatives from the Cattaraugus County Department of Health, Cattaraugus Community Action, Healthy Community Alliance, United Way of Cattaraugus County and Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation together worked to identify nonprofits working to provide for the basic needs of those impacted by the outbreak of the virus.

Recipients of the second round of microgrants include Canticle Farm, which received $1,000 for hygiene supplies and other items to support farm and produce being donated to food pantries and the Veggie Wheels program, and Believers Chapel, which received $750 for purchase and deliver of frozen meals to those in need through the Twin Tiers Meal program.

The WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund has worked with CRCF and other community agencies to coordinate over $150,000 in grants to nonprofits in Cattaraugus County since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.