Monroeville Foundation launches emergency relief fund

A Monroeville charitable organization was forced to cancel its largest annual fundraiser, so organizers launched a campaign to fund local efforts during the covid-19 pandemic.

Monroeville Foundation has set out to raise $5,000 for an emergency relief fund. The money would be available in the form of a grant to organizations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, said Ernie Groover, the foundation’s board president.

“It’s a modest goal,” Groover said. “But it’ll certainly be easy to give that away.”

Groover said Tuesday the foundation has raised about $400 so far.

To apply for a grant, organizations are encouraged to do so through the foundation’s website, where individuals can donate as well.

Grant applications are vetted before being submitted as a recommendation for approval by the foundation’s board, Groover said. Organizations are asked to keep their grant requests at or below $2,500. Most grants are given in the $500 range, he said.

For example, Monroeville Foundation partnered with area groups on Easter to pass out backpacks filled with seasonal treats, games and school supplies for a “drive-thru Easter egg hunt.” The foundation donated $500 and bags for the event.

The Monroeville Foundation, founded in 2004 to “lessen the burden of the local government,” counts on donations from the community to fund interests of residents, community groups and other entities, according to its website.

Its largest annual fundraiser – “CommUNITY Day,” held at Monroeville Community Park West – was canceled recently. The 5K race, an event held alongside Community Days, also was canceled. Without the fundraiser, which was originally slated for July 25, the foundation was forced to seek donations elsewhere, Groover said.

Groover said there is a possibility of tag teaming the event with the municipality’s possible Labor Day celebration, but the September event is still up in the air. Mayor Nick Gresock has said the municipality is looking at the September holiday as a replacement for the municipality’s canceled Memorial Day and Independence Day events.

The foundation’s annual Jazz Festival is still slated for Aug. 15, however. Groover said the board will wait until 30 days before the event to cancel it if needed. To see this year’s lineup, click here.

And its annual golf outing is still scheduled for Sept. 14, Groover said.

“Ultimately, we want people to be safe, but we also want to continue helping those in need,” Groover said.