WHAT IS THE GO FURTHER FUND?
The Go Further Fund was launched in 2021 to ensure our nationwide network can sustain and thrive not only today, but into the foreseeable future. Through this Fund, Meals on Wheels America will solicit, receive and distribute funds to support communities in crisis, build capacity of local programs and drive innovation. The Fund is structured to retain flexibility, recognizing the emerging and evolving needs of both Meals on Wheels America and local programs.
The Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund had been established to support local programs’ emergency response. As we transition to recovery, we are shifting our focus to growing our Go Further Fund.
WHO CAN CONTRIBUTE?
The Go Further Fund is able to accept contributions from corporations and foundations at this time. To discuss an institutional gift, please reach out to Colleen Clark, Senior Director, Strategic Gifts at colleen@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND?
Meals on Wheels America’s COVID-19 Response Fund still exists for the purpose of serving local programs and seniors impacted by the pandemic. All donations made to the COVID-19 Response Fund by individuals, corporations or foundations will be re-allocated to the “Supporting Communities in Crisis” strategy within the Go Further Fund.
ARE DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Yes. Donations made to Meals on Wheels America’s Go Further Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by the law in the United States. Meals on Wheels America can accept wire transfer or check donations from anywhere. Contact caitlin@mealsonwheelsamerica.org if you have any questions on how to donate via check or wire transfer.
HOW WILL CONTRIBUTIONS BE USED?
In 2021, the Go Further Fund will directly help scale the safety net for seniors to support communities in crisis by providing targeted emergency grants and technical assistance to local programs; building capacity by making investments in infrastructure, training and technology to ensure our network is prepared to address seniors’ evolving needs and meet growing demand; and driving innovation by identifying new socialization, nutrition and safety interventions, piloting promising practices, evaluating outcomes and scaling solutions that make the greatest impact.
HOW MUCH ARE YOU HOPING TO RAISE?
In this ever-evolving environment, it is difficult to predict exactly how much funding will be needed, however, we know that 86% of our programs believe they are not meeting the needs of their communities. We do recognize that the work ahead will require significant partnership and transformative gifts to meet our ambitious goals.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF EACH DONATION WILL GO TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES?
100% of donations made to the Go Further Fund will support the Meals on Wheels network at-large, with no less than 75% being distributed directly to local programs based on need and opportunity for impact.
WHAT OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY DOES MEALS ON WHEELS AMERICA IMPLEMENT IN RELATIONSHIP TO THE FUND'S LOCAL GRANTMAKING EFFORTS?
Meals on Wheels America’s Chief Strategy and Impact Officer will administer and oversee any grantmaking efforts associated with the Go Further Fund. An internal Review Committee will design and implement a simple application and review process with the goal of supporting programs with the highest need and greatest opportunity for impact. Meals on Wheels America will track and report specific expenditures of funds, the impacts of any grant awards and will provide funders with periodic impact reports.
If you’re interested in exploring partnership opportunities, including investing in the Go Further Fund, please reach out to Kristine Templin, Chief Development Officer, at
ktemplin@mealsonwheelsamerica.org.