No one knows a community better than the people who call it home. That’s what makes local community funds so effective—they leverage this knowledge to make tangible differences in the lives of their neighbors.
The Rowan County Community Fund is dedicated to progress and long-term prosperity. A volunteer Fund Advisory Committee works actively to increase charitable giving and award grants to local worthy causes and projects that are addressing emerging needs and future opportunities in our community.
Why does our community need the Rowan County Endowed Community Fund? It’s not just important for civic projects, but also plays a critical role in times of crisis by supporting the nonprofits and businesses who serve all citizens in Rowan County.
“The Rowan County Community Fund was established to be an everlasting resource for doing good works in our community,” said Ryan Neff, Chair of the Rowan County Community Fund Board of Advisors.
“Never did we think that our fund would become such an important asset during a global pandemic. But here we are – and we are thankful we can be of assistance during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Many thanks to so many who have been a part of this great cause,” added Neff.
At the onset of COVID-19, the Rowan County Community Fund established the Rowan County Relief Fund to help support nonprofits providing critical services during the pandemic.
The community rallied behind the Challenge from Mayor Brown & Judge Clark to dye their hair green to raise over $28,000. Those supported were Morehead Gateway Helping Hands, Rowan County Volunteer Fire Departments, Hope Pregnancy Center, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, Gateway Homeless Coalition, Bluebank First Church of God (Food Pantry), the Morehead Recycling Center, Gateway Development District for Senior COVID Kits and the MSU Eagle Essentials program.
As the downtown started to reopen, the Rowan County Community Fund quickly mobilized again to establish a fund for the small businesses in Rowan County. By partnering with CEDIK at the University of Kentucky, City of Morehead and the Rowan County Fiscal Court we were able to move forward with a program to help the businesses not just reopen, but also create a safe, social and inviting downtown for the people of Morehead and those visiting from other cities.
The Small Business Fund Grant committee awarded 13 businesses over $33,500 to help with reopening efforts.
Small Business Innovation Fund Grants:
Back Alley Tattoos
Creative Touch Flowers and Gifts
Expressions Salon
Frankie’s Plaza
Holbrook’s Embroidery Plus
Munchkin Academy/Kidz Kare Childcare Centers
Holbrook Drug
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza
Morehead Icee Hut
Roll Over Rolled Ice Cream
Brooklyn Belle Market
Clean Sweep Janitorial Inc.
Henry’s Recycling
New Frontier Inc.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented stress on our locally owned small businesses,” said Harry Clark, Rowan County Judge Executive. “These people who we depend on are our friends and neighbors. They sponsor our children’s ball teams and volunteer in our community. They’ve supported us for years, so we wanted to make sure we were there for them when they needed our help.”
We want to thank all those who have supported the Rowan County Community Fund Relief efforts. Contributing to your local community fund is one important way to invest together for the good of Rowan County.
Do your part, stay apart but let’s all work together to help those who need it the most.
The Rowan County Community Foundation
Ryan Neff, Ashley Adkins, Gabe Brown, Aron Caudill, Brenda Cherry, Tom Creahan, Betty Cutts, Tom Lewis, Saundra Newton, Veronica Norwood.
Wes Holland & Dan Markwell, Emeritus.
The Rowan County Community Foundation is an affiliate fund of Blue Grass Community Foundation, established by local citizens to create a more generous, vibrant and engaged Rowan County. This permanently endowed fund provides support for civic projects and charitable endeavors for generations to come.
For more information about the Rowan County Community Fund, visit http://www.bgcf.org/rowancounty
For more information about the Rowan County COVID-19 Response Funds, contact jhiggins@bgcf.org.
(provided by the Rowan County Community Fund)
