In early June of 2020, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV), together with the Community Fund of Chippewa County and the Eau Claire Community Foundation, conducted a community assessment. The organizations wanted to learn how to best invest the $500,000 granted for COVID recovery by UWGCV's Endowment identified early childhood development and the well-being of the children’s families as being critical during its assessment of pandemic-related community needs.
UWGCV requested proposals for projects aimed at the development of children from birth to 3rd grade and support for the welfare of families of these children. Two granting waves were initially designed; the first in anticipation of school starting and the second to create solutions associated with the risks of being indoors and closer together. UWGCV learned a lot during the pandemic, along with the rest of the community. As such, a third wave of granting was then planned, but the development age was birth to 5th grade rather than birth to 3rd grade.
First Wave funding was completed in early August of 2020, Second Wave funding was completed in late September of 2020, and Third Wave funding was completed in late December of 2020.
Watch the video below to see the impact of these COVID Recovery Grants: