The Grants Committee voted to reallocate funds budgeted for meetings and travel — which would go unused during the COVID-19 lockdown — to rapid-response grants. This allowed the foundation to support organizations with emerging needs related to the pandemic.

Discretionary grants included:

• $2,500 to a coalition of Alaska organizations for COVID care packages and technology upgrades needed for staff to work remotely.
• $3,000 to Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition for cell phone boosters and equipment to work from home.
• $4,000 to Sunflower Community Action to upgrade equipment for their radio station, KSUN, used to disseminate Know Your Rights information for essential workers.
• $5,000 to Workers’ Dignity to hire 2 interns to provide virtual workshops on wage theft recovery and health and safety at the workplace.