Amazon has donated $1 million to kick-start emergency COVID-19 response funds that will immediately benefit the four largest Washington D.C. region community foundations that are working to support vulnerable populations impacted amid the coronavirus outbreak. The donation will be used to provide resources to organizations working with communities disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of the outbreak—including hourly workers, people experiencing homelessness, and the elderly. Amazon is also providing additional cash and in-kind support to five food service providers in the Washington D.C. region.
The four community foundations—ACT for Alexandria, Arlington Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington Community Foundation will each use a portion of Amazon’s $1 million donation as flexible funds for grants to nonprofits addressing food insecurity, housing and shelter, and providing emergency financial assistance. The donation will allow each foundation to disperse resources to nonprofits with deep roots in the community and strong experience serving the most vulnerable neighbors across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
"The Washington, D.C. area is our new home, and we must rally together to support our neighbors during this difficult time for our region and around the world," said Jay Carney, Amazon SVP, Global Corporate Affairs. "In addition to making sure our Amazon customers can get the essentials they need, we will support our community partners who are doing life-saving work. Amazon's $1 million donation to these four community groups will provide fast, flexible support to those who need it most and encourage a wave of additional community donations during this unprecedented time."
Amazon is also providing in-kind and cash donations to food banks that support the most vulnerable, at-risk populations in the Washington, D.C. region including Capital Area Food Bank, DC Central Kitchen, Arlington Food Assistance Center, Martha’s Table, and Central Union Mission. Martha’s Table will provide gift cards, diapers, wipes, baby formula, and cash directly to enrolled families with these flexible donations. Central Union Mission will use the funds to continue to provide shelter, hot meals, and services to more than 170 people each night. Other groups will use the funds to support pop-up food distribution sites, pay their staff for work usually accomplished by volunteers, and ensure operations can continue without gaps.
Other businesses, community groups, and individuals interested in the COVID-19 response funds can also donate.
As a global company, we're closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19. In addition to those who are impacted by the illness, many more are indirectly dealing with changes in their work, school, and community environments. Learn more about some of the ways Amazon is supporting customers, communities, and employees during this difficult time.
