KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Earlier this month, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) announced the launch of a relief fund for citizens amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Community Urgent Relief Fund was created in partnership with United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to support nonprofits during this pandemic.
By March 27, the organization had raised $284,499 from the joint crisis funds to the following nonprofits:
- Senior Services
- South Michigan Food Bank
- St. Luke’s Diaper Bank
- Ministry with Community
- South County Community Services
- Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
- Christian Neighbors
- Disability Network of Southwest Michigan
- Guardian Finance & Advocacy
- Community Healing Centers
- Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
Now, KZCF is announcing that the Richard G. Tomlinson Family Fund has launched a new initiative for additional funding.
According to KZCF, the Tomlinson family will be matching all donations to this fund up to $15,000, meaning that a total of $30,000 in additional funds could be raised.
The money would be used to help support local nonprofits providing meals, shelter, childcare and other necessities for families and individuals impacted by COVID-19 in Kalamazoo County.
“Kalamazoo is a special place where people come together particularly in times of need,” vice president of Donor Relations at KZCF Joanna Donnelly Dales said in a statement. “The Tomlinson family has inspired us with this challenge grant and we hope that their generosity encourages others and helps us reach our goal.”
This fund was originally created in 1998 by Richard Tomlinson (known by “Pop” to his sons), and is now advised by his wife, Kathie, and three sons, Bill, Steve and Charlie.
“I had been thinking about where I could give money from pop’s fund and the Community Urgent Relief Fund sounded like a great idea,” Charlie Tomlinson said in a statement. “Pop was definitely the kind of person who didn’t just talk about issues that need to be addressed . He would come up with ideas, then execute them. It’s about putting your dollars where they will be used well. Pops always had great trust in the Community Foundation and so do we.”
More information about how to donate to the fund can be found at this link.
