PEMV: Emergency Response Fund Grants

PEMV: Emergency Response Fund Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Marthas Vineyard Community Foundation Inc
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The PEMV Emergency Response Fund Grants, established in March 2020, address urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund supports Island nonprofits that assist vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by the crisis. Notably, it has provided essential resources to Venezuelan migrants and other community members, ensuring access to food, shelter, and legal assistance. The fund continues to adapt to evolving challenges, reinforcing the community's commitment to helping those in need.

Overview

Emergency Response Fund The Emergency Response Fund was established in March 2020 to address sudden and urgent issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the needs of our community have evolved, so has this fund, and it remains as relevant as ever. We believe it is a core responsibility of the Community Foundation to maintain this agile, immediate- support resource and fund a variety of Island nonprofits that meet acute challenges of vulnerable populations. Migrant Relief Fund: In September of 2022, a group of Venezuelan migrants arrived on the Island unexpectedly with nowhere to turn. A number of nonprofits on the Island and the Cape sprung into action to provide emergency shelter, food, legal assistance, medical assistance and other support. This fund was established to provide support for both the immediate, short term needs at the time, and longer term needs. With the continuance of this fund, we support the organizations that house, feed, and provide assistance to all migrants on the Island, assuring they have the resources to meet current as well as future needs. The Emergency Response Fund was established in March 2020 to address the sudden and urgent needs brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses closed, jobs were lost and incomes dried up. Schools closed and with them the free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches that were served to over 40% of Island students disappeared. Public transportation wasn’t safe for compromised people and access to food pantries become impossible for many. Rent continued to be due to landlords who depended on that income to pay their bills. Vineyard nonprofits were caught in the middle. While many were forced to close their doors, the needs of the people they served accelerated. Responding to this crisis, the Vineyard community stepped up in an unprecedented way, working collaboratively with a laser focus on supporting Islanders in need.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This fund will make grants to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, and groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 organization.