Papillion, Neb., May 13, 2020 –Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) moved quickly in the
wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to establish the MCF Coronavirus Response Fund which will
provide emergency funding to Sarpy and Cass County nonprofit organizations and residents. In
addition, the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Fund is being utilized to provide
direct economic relief to small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. Today, we are
pleased to announce that Facebook has pledged significant contributions of $100,000 to the MCF
Coronavirus Response Fund and $250,000 to the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce
Foundation Fund to support our community when it needs it most.
“Since breaking ground on our Papillion Data Center in 2017, we’ve called Sarpy County home,
so we are happy to have the opportunity to support our community’s small businesses, nonprofits
and municipal organizations,” said Matt Sexton, Community Development Regional Manager
for Facebook. “Our hope is that the implementation of these relief grants will help these
organizations rebuild and recover so they can continue to provide jobs, products, and services for
Sarpy County.”
Applications for small business grants through the Sarpy Chamber Foundation will be available
on June 1st. Eligible small businesses must have 50 employees or less. Grants are open to Sarpy
Chamber members and non-members if the business is located within Sarpy County. Small
businesses outside of Sarpy County must be Sarpy Chamber members.
The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce has an advisory committee selected from the board of
directors that will review all applications to determine the amounts given with consideration to
assist as many businesses as possible.
“We look forward to the Sarpy Chamber Foundation becoming one of the resources small
businesses can utilize as they navigate this unprecedented situation. We expect many different
needs will arise and support from partners like Facebook means the Sarpy Chamber
Foundation will be ready to answer the call,” said Karen Gibler, President.
The MCF funding will be used to provide food, supplies, prescriptions/healthcare, utility and
other financial help to the hardest-hit households and nonprofit organizations and government
entities within Sarpy and Cass counties. In cooperation with local government and business
partners, MCF will identify and grant monies to community-based organizations and programs
that have strong experience working to provide individuals and families with access to basic
needs.
“As a Community Foundation we must collectively work together with the counties, cities and
chambers to identify those in most need during this unprecedented time. We are so appreciative
of Facebook’s generous contribution which allows us to continue to invest in the power of our
community by providing support to those who are experiencing hardship because of the outbreak
and related closures and disruptions and who are in the greatest need of resources,” said Tonee
Gay, Executive Director.
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For more information, contact:
402-991-8027
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