Given the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, NCCF has awarded grants to local nonprofits working to protect the health of critical migrant farmworkers, as well as provide financial support to needy families and college-bound students. NCCF awarded a total of $61,500 in grants in its Winter 2020 application cycle.
The newly formed Central Virginia Farm Workers Initiative received a grant to support its mission to develop health care and educational resources for migrant and seasonal farmworkers. CVFWI initially is using the funds to spearhead the implementation of a COVID mitigation collaboration involving local growers, farmworkers, and health care providers to screen and vaccinate seasonal and migrant workers. The collaboration has the backing of large area growers who depend on this important source for farm laborers.
Blue Ridge Interfaith Ministry also received a grant to continue providing one-time financial assistance for utilities and other needs to indigent households.
The Monticello Area Community Action Agency’s emergency assistance program—newly renamed “Navigation”—also received a grant to help low-income families with rent, utilities, and other needs.
In addition, MACAA’s “Project Discovery” program received a grant to continue supporting low-income, first-generation college-bound high school students. In a year that has been particularly challenging for both students and educators, the program has focused on providing technology to bolster students’ virtual learning capabilities.