Governor Charlie Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker announced the launch of the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, a statewide relief fund to support vulnerable communities and frontline workers in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
First Lady Lauren Baker and the One8 Foundation are teaming up with philanthropists, business leaders, Eastern Bank, The Boston Foundation, and the Foundation for Business Equity to launch the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund to support those across the state most impacted by this health crisis. The Fund will work in concert with regional non-profit leaders, community foundations, leaders on the ground and at the state level to understand the response and relief landscape locally and statewide to strategically fill in where gaps are pronounced. The mission is to ensure essential needs are understood in real time and provide resources for interventions that are effective and impactful.
“These are unprecedented and uncertain times, and the people of Massachusetts are struggling,” Mrs. Baker wrote. “The Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund will help us connect those who are most acutely impacted by the response to COVID-19 with the resources and services they need to get through this difficult time and stay safe, healthy, and supported.”
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
. 100% of all donations will serve people and families most in need
. The Fund will work in partnership with community foundations and local non-profit organizations providing critical, essential services in local communities throughout Massachusetts
. Get dollars out quickly and with transparency
. Monitor progress and provide updates on needs
. Continue to provide support throughout the crisis
. All donations are unrestricted
The fund was seeded with $13 million from donors, including $1.8 million from the One8 Foundation. It is being administered by Eastern Bank.