Announcing the We Are Santa Monica Innovation Fund
April 9, 2020 8:30 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The City of Santa Monica today announces a new fund to provide local relief in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The We Are Santa Monica Innovation Fund (Santa Monica COVID-19 Relief Fund) will provide critically needed funds to organizations and the City to help in the following areas:
- obtain necessary sanitation and medical supplies,
- provide food to those experiencing food insecurity,
- provide shelter to those in need, and
- support volunteer relief efforts.
The City’s goal is to meet immediate needs of those in our community impacted by COVID-19. From housing to social services, the City is committed to the wellbeing of every person. By connecting critical community needs with tangible resources, the City hopes to work with businesses, residents, and community organizations to quickly recover from COVID-19.
“Santa Monica residents are struggling to get by, put food on the table, and care for their loved ones,” said Mayor Kevin McKeown. “Through the generosity of our community, we will support the hardest hit, including local workers and persons experiencing homelessness. The We Are Santa Monica Innovation Fund will help us help each other.”
The fund will be managed through the California Community Foundation (CCF), a 501c3 public charity. Contributions to the California Community Foundation represent irrevocable gifts subject to the legal and fiduciary control of the foundation’s board of directors. A donation to the We Are Santa Monica Innovation Fund is a donation to a donor-advised fund. The City will make recommendations to CCF regarding the distribution of the proceeds, which CCF will distribute to eligible nonprofits or uses by the City associated with the COVID-19 emergency.
The City may also accept emergency donations.
The City invites the entire community to get involved. To donate or volunteer, please visitsantamonica.gov/coronavirus-volunteer. For information on how to make a cash or in-kind donation to the City of Santa Monica for a particular use, please contact Tim Dodd at tim.dodd@smgov.net.
For all other information on COVID-19 in Santa Monica, visit www.santamonica.gov/coronavirus or call the Santa Monica coronavirus hotline: (310) 458-8400. Get Santa Monica emergency alerts by texting SMCOVID to 888-777. Sign up for daily COVID-19 updates at www.santamonica.gov/newsletter.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov