June 17, 2020

Unity in the Community Kitsap’s COVID-19 Response Fund

Hello, We recognize families in our community are dealing with a lot of stress... from witnessing the tragic deaths of Black, Brown, and Indigenous citizens and systemic racism to navigating the significant disruptions that COVID-19 has caused to daily life, impacting everything from education, childcare, to our experiences at the grocery store. The impacts of social distancing and increased isolation for children and families is a top concern. We acknowledge all families need a "community of support" to navigate stressful times, and we believe that our community has resources/services that can be of help in these challenging times.  You know your community best. What would help parents feel safe, supported, and connected? What ideas do you have for helping kids, "just be kids" and have fun? (while minimizing risk to COVID) Even as our community and economy open up through each phase, it will be a long time before anything feels "normal" again. So let's get to work now, creating brilliant solutions to help families and children flourish! Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors, Kitsap's COVID-19 Response Fund offers flexible funding to non-profits and faith-based organizations serving community members with the greatest need.

SUBMIT IDEA FOR FUNDING

Relationship needs, e.g. helping parents/families feel connected and supported. We are seeking ideas offering ways to connect our resilient community in a safe and caring manner during a time when physical distancing is our best public safety measure. VIEW QUESTIONS

FUNDING PROCESS

A Grant Review Committee made up of community members reviews applications on a rolling basis that meet the funding goals. Kitsap Community Foundation and the United Way of Kitsap County are continuing to fundraise for this response fund, and funds will be released on a rolling basis throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery phases of the crisis, and/or until the funds are depleted. The intention of this grant is to fund innovative ideas, that are unlike to be funded by any other resource, that will support families and children through this crisis and help them flourish. For general questions about the Kitsap COVID-19 Response Fund , contact Kol Medina, Kitsap Community Foundation CEO, at 360-698-3622 or  kol@kitsapfoundation.org  or Carl Borg, United Way CEO, at 360-377-8505 or   cborg@unitedwaykitsap.org .   For questions about the ‘relationship’ grants being made from the Kitsap COVID-19 Response Fund , contact cristina.roark@kitsapstrong.org , Kitsap Strong Innovation Network Manager .

Want to Help Families Flourish? Need Some Inspiration or a Thought Partner?

Ideas for Reducing Family Stress

Here is our opportunity to re-imagine a new normal that maintains safety and connection for all. We can lead this by collaboratively sharing our resources across non-profits, faith-based organizations, government, and community groups. Let us listen and learn from the wisdom of our resilient community, so that we grow and adapt together. We know there are many creative ways to help families/children feel connected and supported. Some ideas are virtual, creating opportunities for people to have shared virtual experiences - like the Virtual Community Center , XParenting resources, and online programming offered through Bainbridge Youth Services and One Heart Wild . Other ideas may include providing care packages to families and/or facilitating in-person experiences while observing safe social distancing measures or with appropriate personal protective equipment. There are no "bad ideas", just underdeveloped solutions. If you have an idea that you'd like to explore, please contact cristina.roark@kitsapstrong.org , Kitsap Strong Innovation Network Manager. We'd love to have a conversation and develop solutions together!

SUBMIT IDEA FOR FUNDING

Our form is intended to elicit ideas and proposals from Kitsap community non-profits and faith-based organizations who are passionate about families/children feel connected and supported. We recognize that COVID-19 is a stressful event for many families in Kitsap and anything we can do to help families feel safe, connected, and supported can transform this potentially "toxic stress" experience into a tolerable one.  Our community has brilliant and powerful solutions to help families navigate this crisis. We seek your ideas for helping families feel safe, connected, and supported! For questions about our ‘relationship’ grants being made from the Kitsap COVID-19 Response Fund , contact cristina.roark@kitsapstrong.org , Kitsap Strong Innovation Network Manager .