The Shelby community has had its share of hardships. The tornado that hit last year and now the COVID-19 pandemic. But one of one of the best things about the Shelby community is our ability to come together quickly to serve those in need.

To help in times of crisis, The Shelby Foundation Board of Directors has established the Emergency Support Fund. To kickstart the fund, the Foundation is offering a dollar for dollar match up to $10,000 from its unrestricted dollars during the month of May.

The fund is intended to support urgent hardships in the Shelby area during emergency situations, specifically local food banks and nonprofits organizations meeting the basic needs of residents.

The fund will provide grants on a rolling basis to ensure dollars are deployed in the community quickly and responsively. Carrie Kemerer, director of The Shelby Foundation, stated “We have learned over the past year that funders need to be flexible and have quick turnaround times. Time is of the essence when there is a crisis.”

Members of the Foundation Board have been approached by numerous community members concerned about the welfare of Shelby residents. Board Chair Joe Wechter said, “By launching the fund, this provides an avenue for people to help while having confidence the Foundation is acting as a clearing house to make sure donations are going to where there is the greatest need. Funds can be used for needs that are known today and needs that may arise in weeks or months down the road.”

Kemerer said, “Shelby is a community that has always taken care of each other. This is another example. Times like these is when we need our service providers the most. Every dollar donated makes a difference. Just imagine the immediate impact $20,000 can have on organizations?”

 

EMERGENCY SUPPORT FUND

Rally behind Shelby! Your gift matters!

Donate to the Emergency Support Fund to help our local nonprofits and food banks. During the month of May, The Shelby Foundation is matching your donations, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!