Working Remotely: Week 5

Community Emergency Response Fund

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s Community Emergency Response Fund has grown to over $100,000 through generous donations from our community! This amazing response shows just how much our valley truly cares for its neighbors. In that light Targhee Athletics, in an effort to help the community two-fold, held a 21-Day Teton Valley Strong Challenge to help motivate people at home and raise funds for both the Community Emergency Response Fund and the Teton Valley Food Pantry. Their efforts have kept locals physically and mentally engaged this month and added $4,235 to the Emergency Response Fund. These dollars are going to work through the nonprofits most on the front lines of COVID-19 crisis relief. They are providing necessary resources for many valley residents during a time of so many unknowns. We are incredibly grateful to be able to help as community needs are determined.

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In Good News

The Community Foundation began hosting virtual Weekly Nonprofit Check-In’s at the onset of the shelter in place ordinance. These regular meetings have been well attended by nonprofit leaders and allow everyone to share resources and tactics during this otherwise isolating time. We were honored to hear about some of the contributions local nonprofits have provided to help the community during quarantine:

• Above and Beyond the Classroom – is providing STEM learning at 2 PM and Art at 3 PM online daily to their constituents.
• Community Resource Center – has moved their Financial Assistance Application online in Spanish, English, and mobile thanks to contributions from an Anonymous Donor. The Resource Center was also able to divert their recent Competitive Grant from the Community Foundation to hire an assistant who speaks Spanish instead of using a translation service.
• Education Foundation of Teton Valley – has moved their Spanish for Kids program online. Additionally, through Education Foundation donations, and with help from the Spark Foundation, they were able to purchase 75 student hot spots, 15 teacher hot spots, and 4 bus hot spots – ensuring all students have access to internet learning while schools are closed.
• HAPI Trails – recently sent a horse in their care to its newly adopted home!
• Teton Arts – has clay and other art supplies for free pick-up at the studio and fun tutorials on their Facebook page.
• Teton Regional Economic Coalition – has weekly online networking calls for local restaurants and contractors.
• Teton Regional Land Trust – has new staff rituals, programing, and insight based on regular online staff meetings.

With social distancing, we understand that each of us is being pushed in new ways and in new directions. We greatly appreciate local nonprofit efforts to fill gaps, provide outreach, and offer programming during this incredibly unique time. These feats show us that nonprofits are carrying on with their critical missions and exhibiting versatility in a time of adversity. These undertakings are that much more valuable for community members while we shelter in place.

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At the Community Foundation

We will continue to adhere to state-mandated stay home ordinances issued through April 30th. Foundation staff is currently working from home and continues to be available by phone, email, and Zoom! Mail is picked up daily with business continuing, as we prepare for the opening of the 13th Annual Tin Cup Challenge Giving Period on June 1st.