Our Response to COVID-19

As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic emerge throughout our community, the Jenkins Foundation is working closely with our nonprofit partners to understand how we can best support them in this critical time. We know that our partners often care for the most vulnerable residents of Greater Richmond, and we are committed to maintaining open communication and flexibility with our grantees as they respond to our region’s urgent needs.  

As we strive to remain nimble and responsive during this time, the Jenkins Foundation is evaluating the most efficient and impactful way to help organizations navigate these unusual circumstances. In our recently completed grant cycle, we awarded operating support to ensure grant recipients could use those resources to balance the maintenance of their current service offerings while also addressing emergent needs due to COVID-19.

In addition to our regular grantmaking, the Jenkins Foundation also has committed resources to further bolster the nonprofit sector through two immediate and collaborative response efforts. The Board of Directors approved a $100,000 contribution to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund, which is providing rapid relief to organizations that are addressing the region’s immediate needs, including health care. We also created a $500,000 deposit account with Virginia Community Capital's subsidiary bank, VCC Bank, to support the Paycheck Protection Program, which will ensure resources are available to help small businesses and nonprofits bridge revenue shortfalls due to the pandemic. This commitment will enhance our community impact now, while not affecting current grantmaking.

We are grateful for the generosity of our community during this time as we show how we are able to come together in new and supportive ways. To our peers, partners and community members - thank you for all you are doing to keep our region safe and well, and we look forward to seeing you again as soon as we are able.