SPOKANE, WA, September 24, 2020 — Innovia Foundation has been awarded $65,000 from United Philanthropy Forum’s Momentum Fund to support the capacity of the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Funds for Eastern Washington and North Idaho in assisting communities of color, low-income populations and other underresourced groups disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Launched in May 2020, the Momentum Fund strives to exemplify a new model of philanthropy that unapologetically centers racial equity and explicitly prioritizes the needs of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities as part of the nation’s COVID-19 recovery.
Innovia received one of 129 grants awarded by the Momentum Fund to 501(c)(3) organizations around the country managing COVID-19 relief funds. “COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on communities of color and historically marginalized populations,” said Shelly O’Quinn, Innovia Foundation CEO. “The Momentum Fund grant will further support our pursuit of strong, diverse and resilient communities where every person feels safe and has the opportunity thrive.” Established through a partnership with Empire Health Foundation and Spokane County United Way, the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Funds have granted over $2.7 million since March. Funds have been distributed to trusted community-based organizations serving under-resourced populations with the goal of meeting urgent needs, building inclusive communities and reducing inequities. The funds are administered by regional community advisory groups consisting of diverse residents and leaders who represent health, business, education and human services sectors. “We are witnessing a historic and unprecedented level of suffering and need that must be addressed before this nation falls even further into a state of absolute humanitarian crisis,” said Amanda Misiko Andere, CEO of Funders Together to End Homelessness and Chair of the Momentum Fund Advisory Board. “It is essential that the philanthropic sector continues to dedicate itself to this work, which includes addressing the devastating and deadly human health, economic and social impacts that are befalling millions of people of color and vulnerable families across the nation every day.”
To view a complete list of Momentum Fund grantees, visit www.momentumfund.org.
