The Benton Community Foundation is monitoring the ongoing situation around the spread of COVID-19 and has modified current operations according to guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. We will be working with community partners to provide resources as needs emerge.
COVID-19 Response Fund
Donate to the Benton Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, the first $50,000 in donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
BCF has established a rapid response fund to provide resources to local nonprofit organizations that have expanded their operations or encountered unique funding challenges while responding to COVID-19.
You can donate to the fund using the link above or by sending a check to the address below. Checks should be payable to the Benton Community Foundation with “COVID-19 Response Fund” on the memo line.
Benton Community Foundation
c/o COVID-19 Response Fund
660 NW Harrison Blvd
Corvallis, OR 97330
Grants will be distributed in Benton County and the immediate surrounding area over the next 1-6 months, providing for immediate and emerging needs as well as for the long-term financial stability of local nonprofits — an approach that aligns with best practices recommended by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. The initial round of grants from the fund are expected to disburse by April 3rd.
FAQ for Donors
How do I donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund?
Donations via credit card can be made here. Checks should be made payable to the Benton Community Foundation with “COVID-19 Response Fund” on the memo line, and mailed to 660 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis, OR 97330. The BCF team can also help facilitate donations of stock; contact our team at info@BCFgives.org for more information.
Is BCF profiting from these donations?
No. BCF is waiving its administrative fees for all contributions to the response fund. The only fee we can’t waive is the fee charged by our payment processor, PayPal, which deducts approximately 3% from the donation before it reaches BCF. If you would like to avoid this fee, please make your donation by check, payable to the Benton Community Foundation with “COVID-19 Response Fund” on the memo line and mail to 660 NW Harrison Blvd., Corvallis, OR 97330.
Are contributions to the fund tax-deductible?
Yes. BCF’s tax ID is 93-6022916. Please consult your financial advisor for further guidance.
FAQ for Grantseekers
How does my organization apply for funding?
To streamline the process for applicants, BCF is using the same funding application as the United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties. The application is available for download here. Applications must be typed and submitted by email to the Grants Manager at brittany@bcfgives.org.
Who can apply for funding?
Organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, School, Government Agency, Church or Religious Organization, or that have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and serve Benton County may submit funding requests. Funding is not provided for organizations that discriminate by race, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or national origin, political campaigns or candidates, lobby activities, religious organizations for inherently religious purposes, or private individuals.
When are applications due? When do decisions get made?
Grants will be disbursed twice per month. For applications received by the 5th of each month, disbursements to grantees will be made approximately by the end of the month. For applications received by the 15th, disbursements to grantees will be made approximately by the 5th of the following month. Projects that qualify for funding but are not initially selected will stay in the applicant pool for potential funding in the following rounds. Recipients are determined by the BCF Board of Directors.
If I am seeking funding from BCF and the United Way, do I need to submit two applications?
No, BCF and the United Way of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties are sharing applications received by either organization.
What type of requests will you fund?
BCF is currently providing grants of up to $5,000. Requests will be considered for organizations whose services have been directly affected by the pandemic—i.e., programs have expanded to meet local basic needs—as well as organizations experiencing revenue hardships related to social distancing protocols. The most immediate grants will support the most time-sensitive needs, while future grants will be aimed at offsetting long-term revenue disruptions, such as loss of revenue from cancelled fundraisers.
I don’t meet the terms and conditions on the application, can I still apply?
We encourage you to apply for funding regardless of whether you meet all the grantee conditions on the application. The terms and conditions on the application are specific for funding provided through the United Way. If you are selected for BCF funding, you will receive a follow-up form that has the BCF terms and conditions.
If I apply for funds now, does that stop me from asking again as the situation develops?
Receiving funds early in the process will not prohibit you from asking for additional funds in the future.
How will we know that you’ve received our grant application?
When you submit your application to BCF, the Grants Manager will contact you to confirm we have received it.
Modifying operations
In order to protect the health of our staff, volunteers, and neighbors, BCF offices are closed to the public through April 3, 2020. For our volunteers, please note that all BCF meetings will occur virtually via Zoom.
Grants from BCF’s Designated Funds have been disbursed on schedule, and review of Community Grants will proceed along the normal timeline.
The best way to reach the BCF team is via email (info@bcfgives.org).
Additional community resources
United Way of Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties resources and response fund
Updates on COVID-19 from Benton County
Updates from the Oregon Health Authority
Flatten the Curve – Resources from OHSU and OSU
How to support local businesses – Guide from Corvallis Economic Development Office
Benton County Recovers – Assistance resources and updates
Benton County COVID Connection – Current needs, emerging challenges, and how to help
Coronavirus.gov – Updates from the federal government