On March 19, 2020, nine days after Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Michigan, we partnered with United Way of Marquette County and announced the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. A dedicated committee of volunteers began meeting weekly to review and award grants with the goal of quickly distributing aid to nonprofits on the front lines responding to the needs in our community. The Fund was set up in three phases, outlined below.

Nonprofits: applications for the Community Response Fund are currently closed, but if your organization has an immediate/emergency need, please get in touch with our office directly: info@cfofmc.org

Together, we raised over $178,000

Our community stepped up to help in a big way. Our affiliate funds, including three Youth Advisory Committees, provided support. Individual donors, businesses, and foundations gave generously, knowing their donations would make an impact that was swift and meaningful. We have been honored to be a trusted resource, directing much-needed dollars where they made a difference.


Phase One:
March – December, 2020

64 grants were made totaling $89,561.19 to support nonprofits and charities meeting the basic needs of residents in Marquette County. This rapid response phase supported the work of organizations and agencies assisting the most vulnerable in our community.


Phase Two:
December 2020 – February, 2021

23 grants were made totaling $35,620.00 to support operating expenses for Marquette County nonprofits, including program assistance and revenue loss from canceled events.


Phase Three:
Being Prepared for the Next Emergency

The magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis demonstrated the need for emergency funding to support county-wide efforts in addressing emergency and disaster relief. To improve our preparedness and increase our ability to respond to emergencies of all types, the Community Response Fund was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2020. Because the fund is endowed it can also continue to grow, extending the impact in perpetuity.

Marquette County has always been committed to coming together in supporting each other during times of crisis and ensuring those who struggle financially and economically are supported in every way possible. Working together, we will continue to survive and thrive. Click here to donate the Community Response Fund.