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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">March 16, 2021</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Steve Hollis
<br />Human Services Manager
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.874.7488
<br />Steve.Hollis@CoMo.gov
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<br />Joanne Nelson
<br />Director
<br />Boone County Community Services
<br />573.886.4298
<br />jnelson@boonecoountymo.org
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<br />John Baker
<br />Executive Director
<br />Community Foundation of Central Missouri
<br />573-817-5027
<br />jdbaker@cfcmfoundation.org
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<br />LaToya Stevens
<br />Heart of Missouri United Way
<br />LStevens@UWHEARTMO.ORG
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<br />Chris Cline
<br />Veterans United Foundation
<br />573.876.2600 x 4642
<br />chris.cline@vu.com</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">CoMoHelps releases report on pandemic relief, impact on local nonprofits</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - CoMoHelps has released its second report on its work to provide funding for local nonprofits to meet ongoing pandemic-related needs. As of Feb. 8, CoMoHelps has received $3,496,107.03 in requests and provided $1,544,254 to more than 40 local nonprofits and schools for COVID-19 relief assistance for food, rent, utilities, learning pods and more.<br /><br />The report also includes the results of two surveys of local nonprofits, which indicate an uncertain future for the nonprofit sector. According to the report, service demand and expenses are expected to increase, while revenues are anticipated to decrease, resulting in significant budget shortfalls. <br /><br />Based on its work to date and the results of the nonprofits surveys, the report includes the following initial recommendations:<br />
<ul>
<li>Local governments should make significant investments in their social services programs and funding in order to:
<ul>
<li>Provide support for the nonprofit sector.</li>
<li>Ensure the availability of needed social services for long-term recovery.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Build capacity within nonprofits to utilize innovative fundraising strategies, including online events or social media campaigns.</li>
<li>Convene struggling nonprofits to identify opportunities for organizational mergers.</li>
</ul>
<br />The report is attached. For more information and to make a donation visit the CoMoHelps website <a href="http://www.CoMoHelps.org">CoMoHelps.org</a>.<br /><br /> <em>CoMoHelps is a joint effort of Boone County, City of Columbia, Community Foundation of Central Missouri, Heart of Missouri United Way and Veterans United Foundation. CoMoHelps serves as the community’s official donations management resource in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.</em><br /> <br /><strong><em> Boone County Community Services</em></strong><br /><em> The mission of Boone County Community Services is to support the greatest possible level of independence and self-sufficiency of Boone County residents by promoting their physical, mental, and social well-being to cultivate a safe and healthy community. Learn more at <a href="http://www.showmeboone.com/Community-Services">showmeboone.com/Community-Services</a>.</em><br /> <br /><strong><em> City of Columbia Division of Human Services</em></str
ong><br /><em> The City of Columbia Division of Human Services (DHS) addresses the causes and conditions of poverty in our community by providing, purchasing and coordinating human services. DHS also leads mass care/human services and donations management in our community’s emergency response operations.</em><br /> <br /><strong><em> Community Foundation of Central Missouri</em></strong><br /><em> The Community Foundation of Central Missouri (CFCM) inspires and nurtures philanthropy for the public good. CFCM is a full-range, one-stop, charitable giving shop offering a mix of investment and fund management services, grant guidance and support, and knowledge of the nonprofit sector. The COVID-19 Regional Relief Fund was established to provide aid to nonprofit service providers struggling with the urgent health and economic effects of the coronavirus. Grants are awarded to meet critical needs in healthcare, education, arts and culture, animal welfare, and more, to help ens
ure wellness and economic recovery in central Missouri.</em!
><br /> <br /><strong><em> Heart of Missouri United Way</em></strong><br /><em> Heart of Missouri United Way fights to improve lives in our community. Our community wins by Living United: By responding to changing community needs. By forging strategic partnerships and fostering effective solutions to tackle local issues.</em><br /> <br /><strong><em> Veterans United Foundation</em></strong><br /><em> Veterans United Foundation exists to enhance the lives of Veterans and military families and support diverse needs in our local communities and across the nation.</em></div>
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<div class="attachments">This release has the following attachments:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=2629">CoMoHelps Report 2-8-2021</a></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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