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MSCF Establishes COVID-19 Response Fund for Mid-Shore Nonprofits

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mid-Shore Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Response Fund to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations at the frontline of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Foundation made a leadership gift of $100,000. Avon-Dixon Insurance Agency, Choptank Transport, Preston Automotive Group and Shore Bancshares quickly joined the response effort with generous donations.

Businesses, individuals and fund advisors are encouraged to join the initiative by making a charitable contribution. The Foundation is waiving all administrative fees; one hundred percent of all donations will be used for this effort. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and qualify for maximum tax advantages.

Immediate grant funding is available for nonprofit organizations serving community members who have been impacted by the Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the pandemic in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. In order to move resources quickly, qualifying entities must be previous grantees of the Foundation.

Qualifying nonprofits are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000. The grant awards will be administered through a simplified online grant application. Information about grant funding is available on the Foundation’s website at MSCF.org/covid19.

Donations can be made online at MSCF.org/donate-online or checks can be mailed to Mid-Shore Community Foundation, 102 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Please indicate that your gift should be directed to the COVID-19 Response Fund.

For additional information, contact Buck Duncan, President of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, wduncan@mscf.org or (410) 820-8175, Ext. 100.

COVID 19 Response Fund FAQ

Why is MSCF starting this fund?

We have a long history of working efficiently and effectively to direct the philanthropy of our donors to impactful community-based organizations working to strengthen our region. We are committed to ensuring that our donors, grantees and partners can work together to care for our most vulnerable neighbors.

How can my organization apply for funds?

Eligible organizations may fill out the online application.

Who can apply to this fund?

Immediate grant funding is available for nonprofit organizations serving community members who have been impacted by the Coronavirus and the economic consequences of the pandemic in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties. In order to move resources quickly, qualifying entities must be previous grantees of MSCF or its component funds.

I have not received a grant from MSCF before. Can I apply to this fund?

Unfortunately, no. This fund is responsive and moves funds as quickly as possible. In order to facilitate this, we require applicants to have a past grantee history with the Foundation.

I’m an individual who’s been affected by COVID-19. Can this fund help me?

We understand many individuals have been affected. On behalf of our community, we are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected. While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, we will fund community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support.

My organization has been impacted negatively can we be considered for a grant to offset lost revenue.

We understand the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting nonprofits in many ways, including increased demand for their services, lost revenue due to closures and cancellations, as well as other challenges. Please describe the impact on your services and programs due to lost revenue.

I want to donate. Can I restrict my funding to a prioritized grantee?

To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations. This fund was created in the spirit of providing a way to coordinate as many resources as possible.

How can I support this Fund?

We ask that donors contribute online if possible, to ensure that funds can be made available as quickly as possible.

Should I give to this fund instead of making other donations?

This fund will facilitate resources to the community where they are needed most. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support and those that need your help at this crucial time. They will need your help more than ever.

Will the fund address shifting priorities?

Priorities may evolve as our region adapts to the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue to prioritize communities most impacted.

Where can I find updates or new information about the COVID-19 Response Fund and its grantmaking?

Please check our website (MSCF.org) for updates.

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TIS’ Benjamin Honored on Eve of Major Shelter Milestone

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Gail Benjamin and Delegate Johnny Mautz

On November 22nd, members of the nonprofit community gathered in the Gold Ballroom at the Tidewater Inn for their annual Mid-Shore Community Foundation (MSCF) Awards Breakfast.  Among the honorees was Gail Benjamin, who received a Special Recognition Award for her work with Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS).  In addition to her award, she also received two citations from the State of Maryland, presented by Delegate Johnny Mautz and Senator Addie Eckhardt.

Benjamin has been with TIS since its inception, having attended the very first meeting of concerned citizens in 2008.  Along with members of other faith communities, she reached out to her congregation at Temple B’nai Israel and they became one of the first hosts of TIS’ rotating cold-weather shelter, which opened in January of 2009.  Among her many accomplishments, she has served on the shelter’s board, was head of the Volunteer Committee, and finished a term as Board President in June of 2019.

In his remarks while presenting the Special Recognition Award, MSCF’s Buck Duncan described Gail’s involvement with the shelter, saying, “She’s given her time, she’s given her talent, she’s given her compassion, and she’s acted as a champion for Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s vision.  She’s helped it grow, she’s helped it stabilize – she’s helped it be a very important part of our community.”

Benjamin’s reaction to the award is true to her humble nature.  “Many volunteers have worked, and continue to work, countless hours to get TIS from our winters in congregational buildings to our present beautiful home at 107 Goldsborough, and our transitional housing program, and our support system,” she says.  “I feel that this award is for all of us.”

She has been part of every phase of the shelter’s evolution, which makes it all the more fitting that she received this honor just before TIS celebrated an important milestone – the fifth anniversary of the opening of its permanent shelter facility at former bed and breakfast Easton’s Promise in 2014.

Since opening its doors at Easton’s Promise, TIS has grown from its roots as a seasonal temporary shelter, and has developed a long-term, comprehensive program designed to guide guests from homelessness to self-sufficiency.   The organization can now serve up to 40 people at a time, versus 5 people in their rotating cold-weather shelter.

Primarily serving families with children, the S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) incorporates case management, educational opportunities, and a community atmosphere at Easton’s Promise to help guests get back on their feet.  Once they have reached a certain level of financial stability, and are mentally and emotionally ready, they are invited to move into one of TIS’ ten off-site transitional apartments.

While in the apartments, guests are still required to participate in case management and educational opportunities.  There, they start off by paying approximately $250 per month in rent, and over time, their portion increases until they are able to take over all expenses.  They are then monitored for several months to ensure that they are able to sustain the payments before they graduate and move on, returning as productive members of the community.

“We are so proud of Gail, and so grateful for her contributions to our community,” says TIS Executive Director Julie Lowe.  “Without her efforts on behalf of our neighbors in need, we would not be where we are today.”

To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how to help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact Julie Lowe at julielowe@talbotinterfaithshelter.org or 410-310-2316.

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