Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta (Federation) and Atlanta Jewish Foundation (AJF) announced that the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund has received more than $2.7 million in two and a half weeks to support organizations serving those affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic in Atlanta’s Jewish community. One hundred percent of the funds raised will be distributed to meet the community’s unprecedented needs.
 
“As in the rest of the world, COVID-19 is having a great impact on our Jewish Atlanta community,” says Eric Robbins, president and CEO, Federation. “The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund allows our community to do what we do best—come together and support one another. This is a time to deepen our commitment to our neighbors by providing for the most affected and most vulnerable during this unprecedented time.”
 
To date, Federation has distributed more than $850,000 to five organizations serving the most vulnerable of Atlanta’s Jewish population: Jewish HomeLife, Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta, Jewish Interest-Free Loans of Atlanta, Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta and Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund.
 
Jewish HomeLIfe ($273,000): Covering the March, April and May costs of increased frontline health care costs.

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta ($50,000): Funding the purchase of increased food and the resulting administrative costs.

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta ($100,000): Funding the increased need for emergency financial assistance for members of the Jewish community.

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta  ($70,000): Expanding capacity to meet increased needs for mental health services.

Jewish Interest-Free Loans of Atlanta ($174,000): Expanding capacity through staffing and loan dollars to meet increased loan demand for members of the Jewish community.

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta ($32,000): Funding three months of health insurance for laid off workers.

Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta ($102,000): Funding three months of health insurance for furloughed workers.

Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund ($50,000): Enabling Rabbis to provide discretionary funds to members of their synagogue community.
 
Additional rounds of funding will continue to focus on meeting urgent needs of vulnerable individuals and will turn to the important work of ensuring the stability of Jewish organizations over the coming months.
 
“By giving to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, your gift is going to the greatest needs within our community,” says Beth Warner, chief philanthropy officer, Federation. “As a philanthropic champion for the Jewish community, we understand what Jewish organizations need to support the most vulnerable during this crisis. With a variety of ways to give and multiple organizations to benefit, federated giving is the most strategic way to donate your resources right now. We’re making sure your gift will have an immediate impact.”
 
The $2.7 million raised to date was given generously by more than 290 donors, with donations ranging from $25 to $250,000.
 
Federation is providing an opportunity powered by Mobile Cause to donate gifts of any size for specific causes within the Emergency Response Fund. These donations may be used to meet many needs, some could include providing medical supplies, reducing food insecurity, or supporting those affected by unemployment. So far, these microdonations have attracted more than 170 donors and raised nearly $50,000 toward the Fund.
 
“Federation is using everything at our disposal to serve the immediate and ever-growing needs of Jewish Atlanta around the COVID-19 crisis,” says Robbins. “Year-round, Federation powers organizations that make a difference in our community, but in today’s uncertain time, we are acting quickly to meet the pressing needs of those affected by COVID-19.”