Henson Foundation makes substantial gift to Community Foundation and United Way
(April 6, 2020) Salisbury, Md. – The Richard A. Henson Foundation is contributing $250,000 to assist Lower Shore nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 to relief funds created by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. Funding will be shared between the two organizations with each receiving $125,000.
“Core to our mission for the Henson Foundation is to allocate resources as Mr. Henson intended. We are confident he would have wanted to provide leadership during this unprecedented crisis,” says Steve Farrow, RAHF Chairman. “We hope our gift will inspire other donors to offer their support.”
The recent COVID-19 outbreak and rippling economic effects have put a strain on area nonprofits. Local organizations have seen an increased demand on the critical services they provide to the community, while facing additional operating challenges due to new regulations and business closures. Organizations dependent on volunteer activities also find themselves in difficult situations under recent stay at home orders.
“Through times of great hardship, come acts of great good. Gifts to the community, like that which the Henson Foundation has made, bring hope and encouragement to many,” says Erica Joseph, CFES President. “The unwavering resolution to help one another is woven deep into the fiber of the Lower Shore, and it is through this strength that we will not only rebuild, but we will grow and triumph together.”
While the Community Foundation and the United Way have two separate grant-making funds, both organizations will make donations available to their respective eligible nonprofits. By creating response funds specific to COVID-19 nonprofit needs, the organizations can ensure donors’ gifts are rapidly applied to the most pressing demands, while maximizing impact due to the expertise CFES and UWLES each hold in the nonprofit sector.
“Many local nonprofits will face hardship as a result of the pandemic. Our collective goal is to quickly provide relief to these organizations so that they may adapt and continue providing vital services to our community,” states Pam Gregory, UWLES President/CEO. “Meeting the needs of those most vulnerable in our region by making grants available to our partners is paramount.”
The Richard A. Henson Foundation is one of several region-wide partners working with CFES and UWLES towards collaborative community efforts. The organizations hope to encourage the public to assist their communities in whatever ways they can, including gifts of time, talent, and financial resources.
To learn more, apply, or give visit CFES.org/covid19 or UWLES.org/COVID19
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For information contact:
Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore: Victoria Kent, Marketing Officer | c. 240-599-6228 |vkent@CFES.org
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore: Courtney Hastings | c. 703-577-3493 | courtney@uwles.org
About the Richard A. Henson Foundation: The Richard A. Henson Foundation, Inc., was established to provide for and to assure the continuation of the philanthropic spirit, objectives, and ideals of Richard A. Henson, to enrich the quality of life primarily in the Greater Salisbury, Maryland area, and to provide challenging opportunities and act as a catalyst for the betterment of the community.
About the Community Foundation: As leaders, grant makers, and stewards of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore connects people who care to causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore. We are a 501c3 nonprofit with an inspiring history of fostering charitable endeavors, and have provided more than $84 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since 1984. We collaborate with individuals, families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs and strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources. We are devoted to improving our regional community and believe in the power of philanthropy.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore: United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, now in its 75th year, serves all communities in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. United Way helps Lower Shore residents obtain Educational Success by reducing the achievement gap between low and middle income students, Financial Stability by advancing the economic security of families and individuals, and Good Health by improving access to and awareness of local health and wellness services. United Way collaborates with organizations and stakeholders to strengthen our community and provides over $1 million annually in support of 80 programs and community initiatives, impacting 1 in every 3 individuals on the Lower Shore. For more information on United Way or to help make a difference, visit www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, or on Facebook @uwles and Instagram @unitedwayles.
