Frequently Asked Questions

We understand many individuals and families have been affected by the outbreak already and more will continue to be affected. On behalf of the Fund’s partners, Community Foundation of Jackson Hole is working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most affected by emerging health, economic, and social impacts.

While the Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals, we will be funding community-based organizations that have experience and history of providing people and families with services and support. As we begin to award grants, we will post them on this page. Please check back for a list of the organizations that may be able to assist you. If you are looking for resources now, please consider contacting One22.

The Town of Jackson has also compiled a list of resources with information and links for programs and services that may be helpful – jhcovid.com.

Nonprofits and governmental entities in one of the following categories are eligible for Community Emergency Response Fund funding to support work in one or more of the listed priority areas.

Front-line health care organizations responding to COVID-19

• Priorities: staff support, medical supplies, and community outreach efforts

Nonprofits serving those most severely impacted by the crisis (under/unemployed and/or undocumented workers) and vulnerable populations (seniors, marginalized communities, and individuals with underlying health conditions)

• Priorities: food security, shelter, child care, health care, and mental & behavioral health

Other nonprofits whose fundamental ability to operate is critically impaired by the crisis

• Priority: assisting nonprofits at risk of imminent closure

Through April, the first phase of grants will focus on urgent health, basic human services, and economic needs of those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.  Support for front-line health care providers and bi-lingual community-wide outreach will also be prioritized.

Support to other nonprofits will initially focus on providing technical resources and guidance.  Due to limited resources and significant anticipated community need, these grants should be considered a last resort to avoid closure.

Grant requests will be accepted on a rolling basis using the streamlined Response Fund Request Form.  After initial review, the Foundation may request additional information or documentation.

The Foundation’s goal is to deploy multiple rounds of support as we gain greater clarity about the course of this crisis, in the near-term and through the recovery phases.

Primary Funding Criteria

In evaluating community need and impact relative to Response Fund grant requests, the Foundation will consider and prioritize the following key funding criteria.

• Use of Funds: Urgent health, basic human services, and immediate economic needs
• Target Population: Communities and individuals that are disproportionately impacted by the crisis, especially those already facing health and economic disparities
• Scope of Service: Number of clients served and/or program participants
• Community Trust: Deep relationships and experience in serving our community
• Capacity: Ability to quickly and effectively deploy resources to meet community need

Nonprofits requesting support to avoid imminent closure will also need to document the following:

• Budget Changes: Steps taken to reduce operating expenses
• Access to Other Funding: Steps taken to utilize other funding sources including, but not limited to, operating reserves, unrestricted quasi-endowments, lines of credits, and loans

To ensure we move resources as efficiently as possible and respond to needs of communities most impacted, we are not considering restricted donations at this time. The Community Emergency Response Response Fund was created in hopes of providing a way to coordinate as many resources as possible.

The Community Emergency Response Fund was not created to be the only vehicle resourcing critical community activities during this outbreak. Rather it is working to facilitate getting more targeted resources into the community where it’s needed most. If the Fund’s priorities align with your values, please consider making a donation.

However, this is a critical time for so many, including the nonprofit organizations who’ve benefited from your giving in the past, as well as those who’ve had to cancel their annual fundraising events or depend heavily on public gatherings. Please continue to give to organizations you regularly support, and those that need your help at this crucial time. Now is the time to double down for our community as we gain greater awareness of the depth and scale of the long-term ramifications of the outbreak.

The Community Emergency Response Fund will prioritize community-based organizations serving the greater Jackson region. We understand that many Teton County nonprofits serve workers and residents in our neighboring counties. Alta, WY organizations and donors should contact the Community Foundation of Teton Valley regarding their own Emergency Response Fund.

If your organization has received a grant, please list the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole in your marketing materials. Prior to publicly acknowledging your grant from the Foundation, please refer to our Communication Guidelines For Grant Recipients. Click here to download the Foundation logos.