The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unprecedented challenges for children and youth worldwide. Through its Emergency Response Fund, Global Fund for Children is issuing immediate grants to the community-based organizations keeping them safe. In response to these immediate and long-term challenges, GFC launched the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund in March 2020. To date, GFC has issued more than $3.3 million in emergency grants to community-based organizations responding to the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic is exacerbating vulnerabilities for children and youth worldwide, and GFC's partners are at the heart of community responses. As the pandemic took hold, these local organizations pivoted to providing hygiene kits, critical food supplies, and accurate information to children and families. Although much work has been done, children and families still need support, especially as new waves and variants of COVID-19 spread in many communities.
As the pandemic took hold, Global Fund for Children's local partner organizations pivoted to providing emergency support to children and families. More than a year later, they are continuing to step up to support young people affected by the economic fallout and unsafe situations caused by the pandemic, while searching for new ways to deliver key programming with limited resources.
To date, GFC has issued more than $3.3 million in emergency grants to community-based organizations responding to COVID-19. This includes $785,000 for 140 partners serving children and youth around the world, as well as $2.5 million through the Phoenix Fund for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic organizations in England. While we are proud of this success, the needs of children and youth affected by COVID-19 continue to grow.
