Illinois launches new fund to help nonprofits offering COVID-19 services

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Thursday the launch of the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, a partnership with the United Way of Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations, that will support nonprofits serving those impacted by the pandemic.

The fund will target groups that provide primary healthcare services, food, basic services and interim housing.

It will be led by Penny Pritzker, a former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and sister of Gov. JB Pritzker. She said during Thursday’s press conference that the fund has already raised nearly $23 million in initial donations.

“In this moment of extraordinary demand, it’s imperative that these organizations have the resources they need to operate at the highest capacity,” Penny Pritzker said. “This vital emergency fund will support our fellow Illinoisans most in need, and do so quickly and effectively.”

Pritzker said they will work closely with the existing Chicago COVID-19 Response Fund on the allocation of resources.

Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou said the response fund will also complement work the state is already doing to help nonprofits, community and human service organizations.

Gov. Pritzker said he and his wife have donated $2 million to the fund, in addition to $2 million provided by his foundation.

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